AATJ’s Role in Diversity and Inclusion: An Opportunity to Transform into a Well-Integrated Organization

Authors

  • Suwako Watanabe Portland State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jll.2020.134

Abstract

The survey results (Mori et al., this volume) show that there are divisions among subgroups based on instructional level and language background in the field of Japanese language education. This commentary discusses various kinds of divide or disparity in our professional field based on the author’s experience of involvement in three national professional organizations (ATJ, NCJLT, AATJ). In order for AATJ to become a well-integrated professional organization, the following three recommendations are made: (1) Reevaluate the AATJ’s current mission and bylaws to have a common goal, (2) incorporate the spirit of diversity and inclusion to foster a collegial culture in the organization, and (3) articulate what AATJ wants students to attain through the study of Japanese.

Author Biography

Suwako Watanabe, Portland State University

Suwako Watanabe is a professor of Japanese, a section head of Japanese program, and Associate Chair in the Department of World Languages and Literatures at Portland State University.  Her research interests include discourse analysis, interactional sociolinguistics, and language assessment.

References

References

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Published

2020-09-25

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 2 (2020): Japanese Language and Literature

Section

SPECIAL SECTION LANGUAGE AND PEDAGOGY

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