Translation of Japanese Poems into English: Literature in the First Language as a Motive to Communicate in a Second Language

Abstract

There seems to be a long-standing frustration over Japanese people’s inability to communicate sufficiently in English, which is shared by learners and teachers. Japanese learners often show dissatisfaction with the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction they have received, wishing to be better at English communication. Although virtually every Japanese studies English for at least six years before graduating from high school, many college students seem unable to communicate well in English. Anecdotal evidence of this abounds: not a few college students may remain silent in ‘English Communication’ class, are at a loss when asked to write in English, and start using Japanese too early during a group discussion. It is understandable that the motivation of EFL learners in Japan is attracting attention (for example, Apple et al., 2013; Irie, 2003). Why can’t they, or won’t they, try to communicate in English more? What could help Japanese EFL learners to take a crucial step from ‘wish’ to ‘will’ (MacIntyre, 2007) in communicating in English?