1年生の国語の授業回数は306コマがあり、英語コマがゼロなのか、なぜでしょうか。

第二言語を学ぶ国民が増えると、代替となる社会経済システムや政治思想に意識が向いてしまい、反発や改革要求につながるのではないかと政府が恐れる可能性があります。言語習得へのアクセスを制限することは、情報をコントロールし、批判的思考を抑制する方法となります。 

The reasons why a country might intentionally discourage its citizens from learning a second language can stem from various political, economic, and cultural factors.

Economic and Political Control:

  • Maintaining the status quo: A government might fear that citizens learning a second language could make them more aware of alternative socioeconomic systems or political ideologies, potentially leading to dissent or calls for reform. Limiting language access can be a way to control information and discourage critical thinking.
  • Ensuring a compliant workforce: If a country relies on a cheap and easily controlled workforce, promoting education, including foreign languages, might be seen as counterproductive. Some governments might prioritize maintaining an unskilled labor force to keep wage costs low and suppress potential for worker demands.

Maintaining National Identity:

  • Nationalism and cultural preservation: In some cases, promoting a strong national identity and preserving the dominant culture might lead a government to view foreign languages as a threat. Encouraging citizens to stick to their native language could be seen as a way to strengthen national unity and prevent cultural assimilation.
  • Fear of foreign influence: Governments might perceive widespread second language learning as a gateway to foreign ideologies or cultural influences that could challenge their authority or established norms. By limiting exposure to other languages, they attempt to control the flow of information and maintain their grip on the population.

Historical and Social Factors:

  • Lingering tensions and historical conflicts: Countries with a history of ethnic or regional tensions might view the adoption of another language as a sign of disloyalty or a threat to national unity. Discouraging second language learning could be a way to maintain existing social hierarchies and prevent further conflict.
  • Deep-rooted social divisions: In societies with rigid social classes or limited social mobility, learning a second language might be seen as a privilege reserved for the elite. Prohibiting or discouraging widespread language learning can be a way to maintain traditional social structures and limit upward mobility for certain groups.

 

英会話の様子