Japanese Language Teaching: historical milestones

Abstract

This article presents the historical evolution of Japanese language teaching in the West, based on “waves of Japonism”. The bibliographic and documentary study revealed that the First Wave (19th century) resulted in the development of Japanese studies as a new academic area, suffering from the restricted number of students and teachers, limited access to teaching materials. The Second Wave (1960-1970) led to the expansion of Japanese language teaching in Europe, and the resumption of teaching for the Japanese immigrant community on the American continent, with support from government agencies such such as JICA and the Japan Foundation. The Third Wave (from 1980 onwards), brought the diversification of the student profile, and the renewal of the teaching methodology.