Division of Language and Information Education
In the era of globalization and information age, the very nature of information has diversified. Even as we find ourselves inundated by information, the gap between those that can accurately gather and disseminate pertinent information and those that fail to do so is widening. However, the current language as well as information education is woefully inadequate in responding to these challenges.
The Division of Language and Information Education was established by reorganizing the Japanese Language and Culture Promotion division in order to address this concern.
The Division has as its base research in linguistics; a field for which the University of Tsukuba is well reputed. This is fused with other fields by introducing interfaces such as “Practical Application of linguistics” and “Digital Humanities” resulting in the culmination of multiple projects such as, “Mother language Education in a Global Age”, “Overcoming the Information Gap in a Multilingual Multicultural Society”, “Developing the Next-generation Dictionaries”, “Interactive Activation between Lexical and Japanese Dictionary Research” and “Language and The Transmission of Memories”.
“Practical Application of linguistics” Interface
We aim to connect the research results from the field of linguistics to adjacent disciplines like language education, language processing, lexicography, translation studies as well as textbook and dictionary editing workplaces. The “Practical Application of linguistics” research unit is responsible for developing the theory and methodology geared to achieving this.
“Digital Humanities” Interface
Combining Humanities and Information science, we aim to make new advancements in the field of Humanities. The “Digital Humanities” research unit is responsible for developing the theory and methodology geared to achieving this.
“Mother language Education in a Global Age” Project
This project aims to transform the conventional Japanese education into mother language education that can respond to globalization and the digital age. The project transverses Japanese linguistics, Japanese education and language processing.
“Overcoming the Information Gap in a Multilingual Multicultural Society” Project
With the aim of overcoming the information gap in West Asia, we conduct (1) research on establishing and multi-layering of identity, (2) research for the development of product tools that aid use of other languages and cross cultural understanding, and (3) research on fostering talent capable of reciprocal, value-adding communication. The project transverses linguistics, culture studies and language education.
“Developing the Next-generation Dictionaries” Project
The project seeks to develop dictionaries customized to meet individual requirements pertaining to users’ language ability, purpose for use, environment etc. by breaking away from the stipulations set by book or electronic media and redefining dictionaries as a service that accurately provides language information sought by users. We promote cooperation between not just dictionary publishers, but classrooms, textbook publishing companies and electronic dictionary makers.