The future of English has become a hot topic of discussion in recent years where stakeholders in EFL contexts are considering the current and future needs of students. This three-year research project in a research university in Japan aimed to contribute to this discussion where current talks about the curriculum raised questions about the role of English as a lingua franca for young researchers. Two key questions which this project sought to answer were: What is the changing role of English for the future of young researchers? Do current language learning methods meet the needs of our future researchers? A mixed method approach was taken through conducting surveys and guided discussions with the stakeholders—student surveys (n=78) and discussions with professors (n=5), policy makers (n=2), and industry experts (n=2). All discussions were recorded and analysis was done by identifying areas of similarities in perceptions and gaps which emerged through differences. Initial findings showed similarities in the need for being offered more opportunities for academic and research discussion with international students, and real-life simulations of specific future research and professional situations they will encounter. Core differences identified were concerned mainly with the specific language skills and AI tools required to prepare students adequately for future research and job-related tasks. Major insights gleaned from stakeholder discussions will be presented and the researchers encourage a spirited discussion with attendees to gain a more global perspective on policies and directions regarding English as a lingua franca for young researchers in EFL contexts.

Authors:
Tanya McCarthy, Kyoto University, Japan
Matthew Armstrong, Kyushu University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Tanya McCarthy is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Kyoto University in Japan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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