Article published In: Language and Communication of Asian Diaspora Communities in Europe
Edited by Zi Wang and Florian Coulmas
[Journal of Asian Pacific Communication 31:2] 2021
► pp. 260–278
Fluidity and diversity of Japanese communities in London
Published online: 29 October 2020
https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.00067.miy
https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.00067.miy
Abstract
This paper explores the reality of ‘Japanese communities’ in London and the interrelation between language and identity.
First, we trace the history of the Japanese community to around the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868–1912), when Japan emerged from national
isolation. We then focus on one of the ‘communities’ established around the start of the 21st century by work-related and independent
relocation. We present the life stories of two women who independently resided in London and shed light on the fluid nature of language
maintenance and negotiation of identities. Through the close analysis of these personal experiences, we elucidate the complex reality of
individuals who may be otherwise collectively understood as members of Japanese communities. These stories highlight the heterogeneity of
the Japanese individuals in London, and therefore lead us to question the discursively constructed images of the ‘Japanese communities’- and
the nature and importance of ‘language maintenance’.
Keywords: diversity, fluidity, Japanese community, identity, heritage language
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Historical overview of Japanese communities in London
- 3.Japanese permanent residents’ communities in London
- 4.Survey on the Japan Association in the UK
- 5.An investigation of the reality of two women through their life stories
- 5.1Saki’s life story
- 5.2Emiko’s life story
- 5.3Discussion: The two women’s life stories
- 6.Conclusion
- Notes
References
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