Guest Speaker
Dr. Junko Mori
[she, her, hers]
Professor of Japanese Language and Linguistics at Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, and Core faculty, The Doctoral Program in Second Language Acquisition at University of Wisconsin-Madison
https://alc.wisc.edu/
https://sla.wisc.edu/
Fostering Multicultural and Transnational Perspectives in Japanese-Language Education: A Humanistic Imperative
日本語教育における多文化的・越境的視点の育成：ヒューマニティの追求のために
Over the past decade, world language education in anglophone countries has faced mounting challenges. The continued dominance of English as a global lingua franca, coupled with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine translation, has led some to question the instrumental value of learning languages other than English. Reduced public funding, the corporatization of educational institutions, and the proliferation of online self-study resources have further led some institutions of higher education to conclude that world language programs can be scaled back—or, worse, eliminated. Amid these challenges, a growing number of applied linguists and language educators are advocating for a rearticulation of the fundamental goals of world language education. A recurring theme in this effort is the emphasis on the humanistic value of language study, particularly its role in fostering multicultural and transnational
perspectives. This presentation begins by reviewing recent media discourse on world language education in the United States, situating it within the broader historical context of the field. Against this backdrop, it examines how several U.S. universities and colleges frame their language requirements for admission and graduation in relation to their institutional missions and general education goals. By critically analyzing public discourse and institutional policies—and by clarifying the implications of “multicultural” and “transnational” perspectives—I invite the audience to reflect with me on our everyday language classroom practices. We conclude by exploring how we, as Japanese-language educators, can collaboratively reaffirm and advance our essential contributions to humanities education.
[she, her, hers]
Professor of Japanese Language and Linguistics at Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, and Core faculty, The Doctoral Program in Second Language Acquisition at University of Wisconsin-Madison
https://alc.wisc.edu/
https://sla.wisc.edu/
Fostering Multicultural and Transnational Perspectives in Japanese-Language Education: A Humanistic Imperative
日本語教育における多文化的・越境的視点の育成：ヒューマニティの追求のために
Over the past decade, world language education in anglophone countries has faced mounting challenges. The continued dominance of English as a global lingua franca, coupled with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine translation, has led some to question the instrumental value of learning languages other than English. Reduced public funding, the corporatization of educational institutions, and the proliferation of online self-study resources have further led some institutions of higher education to conclude that world language programs can be scaled back—or, worse, eliminated. Amid these challenges, a growing number of applied linguists and language educators are advocating for a rearticulation of the fundamental goals of world language education. A recurring theme in this effort is the emphasis on the humanistic value of language study, particularly its role in fostering multicultural and transnational
perspectives. This presentation begins by reviewing recent media discourse on world language education in the United States, situating it within the broader historical context of the field. Against this backdrop, it examines how several U.S. universities and colleges frame their language requirements for admission and graduation in relation to their institutional missions and general education goals. By critically analyzing public discourse and institutional policies—and by clarifying the implications of “multicultural” and “transnational” perspectives—I invite the audience to reflect with me on our everyday language classroom practices. We conclude by exploring how we, as Japanese-language educators, can collaboratively reaffirm and advance our essential contributions to humanities education.
Call for Proposal for SEATJ 2026
Proposals are due by Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST.
Individual papers are 20 minutes long with an additional 10 minutes for Q&A.
Please fill out this form to propose an individual paper.
Please note that individuals may submit only one proposal, as presenter or co-presenter.
Individual papers are 20 minutes long with an additional 10 minutes for Q&A.
Please fill out this form to propose an individual paper.
Please note that individuals may submit only one proposal, as presenter or co-presenter.
Registration for SEATJ 2026
Conference registration deadline: Saturday, March 14th, 2026, 11:59 pm (EDT)
Please fill out this form to register for the conference.
Registration fee: $40
SEATJ Membership Fee: $10
*If you chose SEATJ as your local affiliate when you renewed AATJ membership any time after the 2025 SEATJ conference hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, your $10 membership fee at the 2026 conference is waived.
Payment method: Make a check (please send ONE check of $50 (or $40 if your membership fee is waived)) payable to SEATJ and mail it to:
Wakako Sera
ATTN: Wakako Sera
North Carolina State University
310 Withers Hall, Campus Box 8106
Raleigh, NC 27695-8106
Please fill out this form to register for the conference.
Registration fee: $40
SEATJ Membership Fee: $10
*If you chose SEATJ as your local affiliate when you renewed AATJ membership any time after the 2025 SEATJ conference hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, your $10 membership fee at the 2026 conference is waived.
Payment method: Make a check (please send ONE check of $50 (or $40 if your membership fee is waived)) payable to SEATJ and mail it to:
Wakako Sera
ATTN: Wakako Sera
North Carolina State University
310 Withers Hall, Campus Box 8106
Raleigh, NC 27695-8106
2026 Teacher of the Year Award
The SEATJ Teacher of the Year recognizes excellence in teaching and leadership in Japanese education.
For self-nominations, upload: Self-nomination letter, CV, and have a colleague email a recommendation letter to Yukiko Yokono, SEATJ President.
Note that nominees must be SEATJ members; board members are not eligible. Interested parties are invited to read further details in the awards section of this website.
- Nominations are due by February 28, 2026.
- The award will be presented at the 2026 SEATJ Conference.
For self-nominations, upload: Self-nomination letter, CV, and have a colleague email a recommendation letter to Yukiko Yokono, SEATJ President.
Note that nominees must be SEATJ members; board members are not eligible. Interested parties are invited to read further details in the awards section of this website.
Lodging and Transportation
Lodging
Participants will be invited to stay at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, located on campus. From the Marriott, you can walk across campus to the conference venue (about 25 minutes). Please note that there is no shuttle bus service at the Marriott. For campus transit details, see the On-Campus transportation section below.
Other nearby hotel options include:
Transportation
Participants will be invited to stay at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, located on campus. From the Marriott, you can walk across campus to the conference venue (about 25 minutes). Please note that there is no shuttle bus service at the Marriott. For campus transit details, see the On-Campus transportation section below.
Other nearby hotel options include:
- Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place
- Hilton Charlotte University Place
- Hampton Inn Charlotte-University Place
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charlotte/University Place
Transportation
- Driving
- There is free visitor parking available at East Deck 1. From there, it is just a short walk to the Friday Building.
- Light-Rail
- If you're coming from South Charlotte, the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail is a convenient option. It connects UNC Charlotte with neighborhoods and business districts from University City to Uptown Charlotte, extending as far south as Pineville.
- If you'll be staying at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel, the closest station is JW Clay / UNC Charlotte.
- If you will be staying at one of the other hotels, you'll likely want to take the train to UNC Charlotte Main Station, the final northbound stop.
- On-Campus
- Niner Transit provides free bus service across campus for easy access to key locations.
- If you're staying at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel, please note that there is no shuttle bus service at the Marriott. The Silver Bus departs from the CRI Deck Visitor Parking bus stop in front of the Marriott at 9:00 AM. The ride takes about 15 minutes. The bus driver recommends getting off at Auxiliary Services and walking from there to the Friday building.
- From the UNC Charlotte Light Rail Station (the final destination of the northbound Light Rail), take the Green Route of Niner Transit, which stops right in front of the station. Take the shuttle bus for about 6–7 minutes, and get off at Fretwell South. From there, it is a few minutes’ walk to the Friday building.
Sightseeing in Charlotte
Charlotte offers a wide range of attractions, so it’s useful to begin with a central overview of the major sites. This page is a strong starting point because it’s organized by the categories most visitors look for—top attractions, arts and culture, outdoor activities, neighborhoods, and seasonal highlights: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do
However, here are a few lesser known local favorites and approximate travel times:
However, here are a few lesser known local favorites and approximate travel times:
- Passage to India (walking distance) — A North Indian restaurant near UNC Charlotte on University Blvd, with tandoor (clay-oven) dishes and made-to-order service (no buffet).
- Kannapolis Gem Theatre (25 min) — A restored, historic single-screen theater with an Art Deco design and a classic neon marquee in downtown Kannapolis.
- Webb Road Flea Market (30 min) — A large weekend flea market just off I-85 (Exit 70) with free entry and parking; good for browsing vendors and food stalls.
- Super G Mart (35 min) — A massive international grocery store located in Charlotte and Pineville.
- The Lazy 5 Ranch (cash only) (40 min) — A drive-through safari where you remain in your vehicle and can purchase feed; payment is cash.
Our Sponsors
We are grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of this conference and for their continued commitment to Japanese language, culture, education, and international exchange.
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Future Locations
2027: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
2028: University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Past Conferences
2025: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
2024: University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC (2/24/2024)
2023: Duke University, Durham, NC (5/20/2023)
2022: Clemson University, Clemson, SC (4/2/2022)
2021: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (2/27/2021)
2020: University of Memphis, Memphis, TN (2/22/2020)
2019: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (3/2/2019)
2025: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
2024: University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC (2/24/2024)
2023: Duke University, Durham, NC (5/20/2023)
2022: Clemson University, Clemson, SC (4/2/2022)
2021: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (2/27/2021)
2020: University of Memphis, Memphis, TN (2/22/2020)
2019: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (3/2/2019)
