ABSTRACT

The paper presents contemporary European discussion of the definition of the rights of the individual and citizens in the context of migration and of more participatory and inclusive educational system. It is based on the theoretical contributions relevant for the young nation-state of Slovenia, as well as on the results of a research project which collected the personal experiences of its “multicultural” and “multinational” citizens. Their suggestions for a more inclusive educational system are the result of a dialogic research methodology which allows us to hear the vulnerable individuals and groups as social actors. They are collaborators in the research project, which enables the combined influence of theory and practice in the conceptualization of the solutions for the social challenges of contemporary migrant societies.

KEY WORDS: intercultural relations, education, dialogic communicative research

ABSTRACT

The paper presents contemporary European discussion of the definition of the rights of the individual and citizens in the context of migration and of more participatory and inclusive educational system. It is based on the theoretical contributions relevant for the young nation-state of Slovenia, as well as on the results of a research project which collected the personal experiences of its “multicultural” and “multinational” citizens. Their suggestions for a more inclusive educational system are the result of a dialogic research methodology which allows us to hear the vulnerable individuals and groups as social actors. They are collaborators in the research project, which enables the combined influence of theory and practice in the conceptualization of the solutions for the social challenges of contemporary migrant societies.

KEY WORDS: intercultural relations, education, dialogic communicative research

The Text has been published in the Slovene language.

The Text has been published in the Slovene language.

ABSTRACT

Japanese Language Support for Migrant Children in Japan: Needs, Policies, Activities, Problems

The present paper presents an overview of the background of migrant foreign residents of Japan, with a special emphasis on recent legal reforms and ensuing changes in the status of long-term foreign residents in Japan. It presents the problems faced by migrant children whose native language is not Japanese, especially their difficulties in learning both Japanese and their mother tongue, and related difficulties in coping with everyday life and identity oscillations. It concludes with an overview of different approaches to problem solving which are being introduced by local organisations and spreading to the society at large, and which aim at multicultural coexistence in which immigrants are not seen as temporary guests but as members of society.

KEYWORDS: Japanese migrant policies, multicultural coexistence, networking, language education, identity

ABSTRACT

Japanese Language Support for Migrant Children in Japan: Needs, Policies, Activities, Problems

The present paper presents an overview of the background of migrant foreign residents of Japan, with a special emphasis on recent legal reforms and ensuing changes in the status of long-term foreign residents in Japan. It presents the problems faced by migrant children whose native language is not Japanese, especially their difficulties in learning both Japanese and their mother tongue, and related difficulties in coping with everyday life and identity oscillations. It concludes with an overview of different approaches to problem solving which are being introduced by local organisations and spreading to the society at large, and which aim at multicultural coexistence in which immigrants are not seen as temporary guests but as members of society.

KEYWORDS: Japanese migrant policies, multicultural coexistence, networking, language education, identity

ABSTRACT

Self and  Other – Representations of the Korean Minority in Japan

This paper focuses on the study of the diversity, mutual representations and the expression of identity of the Korean minority in Japan, which occurs through the assertion of their existence and value in a foreign country, through an analysis of the problems of their lack of recognition, and through giving them voice. The question of identity in general and national and ethnic identity in particular requires not just the identification of the subject with a specific space as home, but also the examination of the process of production and reproduction of such an identity. The paper focuses on the problems that the minority group of resident Koreans has with understanding, expressing and representing their identities.

KEYWORDS: Japan, Korean minority, nationality, representations, expression of identity

ABSTRACT

Self and  Other – Representations of the Korean Minority in Japan

This paper focuses on the study of the diversity, mutual representations and the expression of identity of the Korean minority in Japan, which occurs through the assertion of their existence and value in a foreign country, through an analysis of the problems of their lack of recognition, and through giving them voice. The question of identity in general and national and ethnic identity in particular requires not just the identification of the subject with a specific space as home, but also the examination of the process of production and reproduction of such an identity. The paper focuses on the problems that the minority group of resident Koreans has with understanding, expressing and representing their identities.

KEYWORDS: Japan, Korean minority, nationality, representations, expression of identity

ABSTRACT

Large-scale ethnic unrest in recent years has instigated heated debates among Chinese intellectuals as well as the wider public about the suitability of current PRC ethnic policies. This article is an attempt at an introductory critique of the views of certain notable academics on this issue. A brief outline of the development of Chinese ethnic policy in the 20th century is followed by an overview of the arguments of sociology professor Ma Rong, the main proponent of abolishment of ethnic minority rights. The views of those who support the current policies are then briefly summarized. The article concludes with a critical examination of both positions, expressing support for the introduction of proper self-governance.

Keywords: Chinese ethnic policies, ethnic autonomy, preferential policies, Ma Rong, depoliticization

ABSTRACT

Large-scale ethnic unrest in recent years has instigated heated debates among Chinese intellectuals as well as the wider public about the suitability of current PRC ethnic policies. This article is an attempt at an introductory critique of the views of certain notable academics on this issue. A brief outline of the development of Chinese ethnic policy in the 20th century is followed by an overview of the arguments of sociology professor Ma Rong, the main proponent of abolishment of ethnic minority rights. The views of those who support the current policies are then briefly summarized. The article concludes with a critical examination of both positions, expressing support for the introduction of proper self-governance.

Keywords: Chinese ethnic policies, ethnic autonomy, preferential policies, Ma Rong, depoliticization