韓国地方都市の国際化と外国語教育 - とりわけ全羅南道麗水市の日本語講師への社会学的調査を中心に -

Abstract

What kinds of influences are occurring in foreign language education in the globalized Korean society by increase in number of immigrant workers and multicultural families? This paper aims to study on challenges faced in foreign language education in the countryside, and to propose ways to solve the problems by focusing on the Japanese language education carried out in Yeosu-city. The results of the study are as follows. First, contrary to general stereotype, a considerable number of foreigners are living in Yeosu-city. Therefore, it is not so difficult to make the opportunity to meet foreigners in reality. Second, Yeosu-city has been intensively supporting the foreign language education so as to train interpreters who will work in the international exposition to be held in 2012. It was clarified that this objective has been so effective to improve the motivation of language learners. And finally, some autonomous learning groups were created and such groups have been playing a crucial rule for many learners as it enables them to learn in a friendly atmosphere. In order to promote foreign language education in the global age, we should not only to understand the difference between our own culture and foreign culture, but also to bring up the mind of multiculturalism.