Navigating the cultural nuances and expectations of one's native country can be a challenging and complex experience for Japanese native bilingual talents. These individuals, who possess fluency in both the Japanese language and a foreign language, often find themselves straddling the divide between two distinct cultural contexts. This can lead to feelings of alienation and disconnection, making it difficult for them to fully participate in and enjoy aspects of Japanese society. In this article, we will delve into the specific challenges faced by Japanese native bilingual talents, the impact of these challenges on their lives, and ways in which Japanese society can better support and understand their experiences.
1. Language Barrier
Japanese native bilingual individuals face a major challenge in expressing themselves or understanding their heritage language. If they have spent a significant amount of time living abroad, it can be tough to keep their Japanese language skills at a comfortable level for participating in conversations and understanding cultural references. Bilingual students in Japan face a language barrier during their job search, even though they are fluent in both Japanese and English. They may struggle to communicate effectively with potential employers in Japanese, making it difficult to secure a job.
In some cases, bilingual or bicultural Japanese students may feel more comfortable expressing themselves in English, especially if they have spent their formative years living abroad. However, they may not be familiar with the nuances of the Japanese honorific system, which can lead to unfair treatment during job searches. Although these students have a high level of English proficiency, most job interviews in Japan are conducted in Japanese, which may hinder them from showcasing their true abilities. To address this, it is important for companies to specify whether the interview process will be conducted in English and under which circumstances English may be used.
As evidenced by the graph depicted below, English proficiency in Japan has been experiencing a gradual descent over the past decade, particularly when compared to other non-English speaking nations. Despite the media's frequent coverage of the significance of English, the actuality remains that the proficiency of the language is regressing, in sharp contrast to these proclamations. In order to acquire bilingual (Japanese/English) people, it is imperative to enhance the language skills of employers. (An article on English education would be posted sometime in the future if there would be enough requests)
2. Cultural Disconnect / Lost Identity
The relatively low level of English proficiency, as compared to other countries, poses significant challenges in effective communication and may impede a thorough understanding of the cultural backgrounds of bilingual people. This language barrier may cause difficulties in expressing thoughts and ideas, leading to misunderstandings and ineffective communication, which can hinder the progress of businesses and impede cross-cultural collaboration.
Japanese native bilinguals face a significant challenge in connecting with their own culture due to their upbringing in a different cultural context. This cultural disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder their ability to participate fully in and appreciate Japanese society. Additionally, they may encounter discrimination and prejudice due to their background, causing them to question their sense of identity.
To address this issue, bilingual students can seek mentorship from experienced bilingual professionals in their field, who can offer valuable insights into the job market and provide guidance on developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their job search. Networking opportunities such as job fairs and professional associations can also facilitate connections with potential employers and deepen their understanding and appreciation of their heritage culture.
Moreover, it is crucial for society to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences that these individuals bring to the table. Their diversity can enrich the workplace and contribute to the growth and success of the company. By creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment that values diversity, companies can attract and retain the best people, regardless of their cultural background.
As globalization continues to shape the business landscape, the ability to communicate effectively in English has become increasingly vital for professionals in various fields in Japan, especially if Japan is seriously thinking of maximizing the usage of workforce as a whole. In this context, the lack of English proficiency in Japan can be a significant disadvantage, making it difficult for Japanese individuals to compete in the global market and to fully participate in the international workforce.
3. Corporate Acceptance / Social Acceptance
The challenges faced by Japanese native bilingual individuals can have a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. If not addressed, these challenges can limit career opportunities and hinder their ability to fully participate in and enjoy aspects of Japanese society. In an increasingly connected world, companies must attract and retain bilingual people who can efficiently communicate in English and understand foreign customs. However, the number of bilingual people in Japan has decreased, and it is essential for companies to make organizational efforts over the med-to-long term to maximize the unique backgrounds, experiences, and values cultivated in foreign countries as well as Japanese culture to contribute to the company. This includes creating a company culture that values diversity and encourages the participation of employees with social minority backgrounds.
Case 1.
Developing Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Programs: One initiative that companies can implement to increase the number of bilingual employees is to develop and promote diversity and inclusion programs. These programs can include initiatives such as language classes, cross-cultural training, and mentorship programs for bilingual employees. Additionally, companies can create employee resource groups (ERGs) for bilingual employees to provide support and networking opportunities. This not only helps to attract and retain bilingual employees, but also promotes a more inclusive and diverse workplace.
Case 2.
Establishing International Partnerships and Assignments: Another initiative that companies can take to increase the number of bilingual employees is to establish international partnerships and assignments. Companies can partner with foreign organizations to create opportunities for employees to work in different countries and gain experience working in diverse environments. Additionally, companies can assign bilingual employees to international projects or teams to utilize their language skills and cultural knowledge. This not only helps to attract and retain bilingual employees, but also helps the company to expand its global presence and gain a competitive advantage.
Case 3.
In addition to above initiatives, companies can also conduct annual diversity surveys and create action plans to address any challenges or gaps identified. They can also conduct regular training and education to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion among all employees, and also create a clear and fair performance evaluation system that values the unique backgrounds and diversity of bilingual employees. D&I in Japan is often discussed when trying to increase the number of female leaders or people from foreign countries but it should include a topic of a diamism of the labor market in Japan itself such as fulfilling the gap between people with different backgrounds (domestic/international).
To better support and understand the experiences of Japanese native bilinguals, Japanese society must acknowledge and address the challenges they face. This can include providing greater support for cultural understanding including hidden language barriers, increasing awareness of the diverse experiences of Japanese native bilinguals, and actively working to combat discrimination and prejudice. Additionally, further dialogue on this topic can promote greater understanding and acceptance of diversity within Japan.
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