---
title: 261025- Why Do Many Japanese Learners Struggle to Speak English
tags:  #englishlearning  
author: [Mitz](https://docswell.com/user/jee54321)
site: [Docswell](https://www.docswell.com/)
thumbnail: https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/5EG1DDNYJL.jpg?width=480
description: 本資料では、19世紀の知識輸入を目的とした英語教育の歴史や、長い翻訳文化、大学入試が読解と文法を重視したことが日本人の英語会話力を制限していると指摘します。また、国内で英語が必須でない環境や他国との比較、AIによる翻訳の高度化が翻訳学習の価値を低下させる点を説明します。さらに、構造的な教育課題や翻訳ベースの学習が流暢さを阻害する可能性、認知言語学的アプローチや画像・概念中心の学習が直接的な意味理解を促すことを示し、将来的に聞く・話す・相互交流に重点を置く教育へシフトすべきと提案します。  おすすめタグ：英語教育,翻訳,AI,認知言語学,コミュニケーション
published: October 25, 26
canonical: https://docswell.com/s/jee54321/5MQ84W-2026-10-25-165446
---
# Page. 1

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/5EG1DDNYJL.jpg)

26/10/25 @jee54321
1


# Page. 2

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/4JQD11Q67P.jpg)

Key Question
Why do many Japanese learners study English for years but still
struggle with fluent conversation?
This presentation focuses on:
Historical background
Educational structure
Social environment
Future changes driven by AI
2


# Page. 3

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/K74ZRRNME1.jpg)

3


# Page. 4

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/LJ1RQQ5YJG.jpg)

Fact 1
English Education Originally Served Knowledge Import
During the late 19th century, Japan modernised rapidly.
The primary goal was not speaking English.
Instead, Japan needed people who could:
Read Western books
Understand new ideas
Translate knowledge into Japanese
English functioned mainly as a gateway to science, law, economics
and technology.
4


# Page. 5

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/GJW1MM51E2.jpg)

Fact 2
Japan Has a Long Translation Tradition
Long before English became important, Japan imported knowledge
from abroad through translation.
Examples include:
Chinese classics
Buddhist texts
Dutch scientific literature
Foreign knowledge was typically adapted into Japanese before being
shared nationally.
5


# Page. 6

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/4EZPQQNXJ3.jpg)

Fact 3
Entrance Exams Rewarded Reading and Grammar
For many decades, university entrance examinations focused mainly
on:
Vocabulary
Grammar
Reading comprehension
These skills were easier to assess fairly across large numbers of
students.
As a result, learners became skilled at analysing English rather than
using it spontaneously.
6


# Page. 7

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/Y76M668PEV.jpg)

Fact 4
Japan Functions Largely in Japanese
Japan possesses:
A large domestic economy
A large media market
Extensive Japanese-language services
Most people can:
Study
Work
Shop
Access public services
without needing English in daily life.
7


# Page. 8

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/G75Z669PJ4.jpg)

Fact 5
Other Asian Economies Often Create Stronger Demand
In countries such as:
South Korea
China
English is often linked to:
International trade
Global business
Career advancement
Higher salaries
The economic incentive to use English can therefore be stronger.
8


# Page. 9

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/9J2RMM2Z7R.jpg)

Fact 6
AI Is Changing the Value of Translation
Machine translation and Generative AI continue to improve.
Many translation tasks can now be completed quickly by AI.
As a result, the value of language learning may gradually shift from:
Translation
Communication and collaboration
9


# Page. 10

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/DEYDXXYNEM.jpg)

10


# Page. 11

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/VJN611PVJ8.jpg)

Hypothesis 1
The Main Barrier May Be Structural
A common assumption is:
“
“ Japanese people are not good at languages.
This presentation suggests a different possibility:
The issue may be related more to the educational structure than to
natural ability.
People usually become good at what their system rewards.
11


# Page. 12

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/YE9L553V73.jpg)

Hypothesis 2
Translation-Based Learning May Limit Fluency
Conversation happens in real time.
If learners constantly:
English → Japanese → English
processing becomes slow.
Fluent communication usually requires:
Direct understanding of meaning
rather than continuous translation.
12


# Page. 13

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/GE8XYYM4JD.jpg)

Hypothesis 3
Cognitive Linguistics Offers a Different Approach
Cognitive Linguistics focuses on concepts and mental images.
Instead of memorising translations, learners focus on meaning.
Examples:
on → contact
in → inside
at → point
The goal is to understand how English speakers conceptualise the
world.
13


# Page. 14

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/LEL8443V7R.jpg)

Hypothesis 4
Taizo Onishi's Grammar Approach
Taizo Onishi's method emphasises:
Images
Meaning
Cognitive understanding
rather than memorising large lists of rules.
The objective is:
Understanding English as English
instead of converting everything into Japanese.
14


# Page. 15

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/4JM6KKDNEW.jpg)

Hypothesis 5
Future English Education May Change
Historically:
English → Japanese Knowledge Transfer
Future direction:
English → Direct Understanding → Global Communication
This could lead to greater emphasis on:
Listening
Speaking
Interaction
Intercultural communication
15


# Page. 16

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/PJRPXX44E9.jpg)

Key Takeaways
Facts
1. Japan's English education originated as a tool for knowledge import.
2. Translation has deep historical roots in Japanese culture.
3. Exams traditionally rewarded reading and grammar.
4. Japan can operate largely without English.
5. AI is reducing the importance of translation itself.
Hypotheses
1. Speaking difficulties are largely structural.
2. Translation-heavy learning may hinder fluency.
3. Necessity strongly influences language acquisition.
4. Cognitive Linguistics may improve direct understanding.
5. Future education may focus more on communication than translation.
16


# Page. 17

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/PEX3662ZJX.jpg)

Final Thought
The challenge may not be that Japanese learners cannot learn
English.
The deeper question is whether the educational system was designed
for a different purpose.
As AI reduces the need for translation, future English education may
increasingly focus on:
Understanding, communication, and global collaboration.
17


# Page. 18

![Page Image](https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/3EKY11MVJD.jpg)

18