KOUSUKE SUZUKI (NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (KOSEN), KURE COLLEGE)
MEGUMI KATSUHISA (Kagoshima Women's Collage)

ANALYSIS OF PRAGMATIC ASPECTS IN CURRENT JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS : MATERIALS DESIGN

This presentation aims to examine the extent to which recently approved high school textbooks in Japan reflect research findings in second language pragmatics. Previous studies have demonstrated that explicit instruction on pragmatics is an effective approach. In the classroom, language textbooks play a crucial role as teaching resources for teachers and as pragmatic input for learners. However, language textbooks have long been criticized for their inadequate coverage of pragmatic aspects. Past research has shown the lack of pragmatic content in conventional textbooks used in Japan. In 2022, the Japanese high schools introduced new textbooks approved by the Japanese government, MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). To what extent has the lack of pragmatics content in textbooks pointed out in previous studies been improved? To our knowledge, few studies have systematically analyzed the new textbooks from a pragmatic perspective. Through a comprehensive analysis of MEXT-approved high school textbooks, we aim to show the extent to which they contain pragmatic content and how much they integrate insights from the second language pragmatics research. By examining these materials, we shed light on the progress made in addressing previous shortcomings and offer suggestions for improving the teaching of pragmatics in English education in Japan. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the development and implementation of effective language teaching materials, with the ultimate goal of supporting teachers in fostering learners' pragmatic competence.

Kousuke Suzuki works as an assistant professor at the National Institute of Technology(KOSEN), Kure College. His research focuses on pragmatic competence and interactional competence of L2 learners. He obtained his master's degree in English Education from Hiroshima University and is now pursuing a doctoral degree at Hiroshima University.

Megumi Katushisa works as an assistant professor at Kagoshima Junior College. Her research focuses on developing genre awareness and cohesion in writing among EFL learners. She obtained her master's degree in English Education from Kagoshima University and is now pursuing a doctoral degree at Hiroshima University.