The Latest News in ELT

February 2006

New Technology For Language Entrepreneurs
More and more language teachers are using computer to computer software programs for teaching English to students. Programs such as Skype are gaining widespread usage and are easily accessible to the teacher, student or English school entrepreneur. With features such as voice and video chat over the Internet, Skype and similar programs are said to offer an affordable, convenient resource for all.
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Kids Speak English with 'MAT'
Young learners are getting more out of their English learning through the use of a strategy called 'MAT' (Model, Action, and Talk). Developed by a professional English teacher Ms. Ritsuko Nakata, the strategy is designed to ensure students get the most out of their English lessons by using both sides of the brain at the same time. Ms. Nakata is the founder of the Institute for the International Education of Children and is also the author of the 'Let's Go' series published by Oxford University Press.
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Japanese Business Law Translations
(Japan) In an effort to assist foreign companies, the government intends to publish English translations of Japanese business laws on the Internet. It is believed that the Cabinet Secretariat’s Web site will contain 14 major law translations in April with approximately another 200 being added later.
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Film Student's Quest for English
Often, when students seek to study English at universities, they usually look for leaders in the field. But for two Japanese film students, they also wanted American English. Yoishi Horikoshi and Tomoaki Iwakura both wanted to study English that was relevant to their fields of study. Their quest led them to enroll in Savannah College in America where both will have the opportunity to study English, gain an understanding of American film styles and learn how to produce films.
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"Amazing English Hunt" Awards
Tokyo: The English-Speaking Union of Japan (ESUJ) and eigoTown.com recently announced the winners of their annual "Amazing English Hunt" Awards. The awards, which began in 2003, are designed to spotlight English used in Japan that is amusing, unnecessary, embarrassing, exceptionally creative or just downright bizarre.
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English Business Manners Seminar
eigoTown.com is hosting an English Business Manners Seminar to be held on the 25th February. The seminar designed for Japanese participants, is targeted at new-hire employees for large institutions.
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New English Language TV Channel
(Japan) The Prime Minister is supporting an idea that Japan Broadcasting Corp (NHK), should have an additional channel in order to cater for foreign residents and tourists. Mr. Koizumi gave his support for an English language television channel last Friday at a Cabinet meeting after earlier discussions held with a foreign panel.
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Bill for Fingerprinting Foreigners
A bill has been drawn up by the Japanese government that requires any foreigner over 16 years of age to have their fingerprints recorded on a government database. Foreigners will be required to register when they enter Japan and the bill will enable the government to deport those that are considered to be terrorists. It is believed that the bill is centered on one of the antiterrorism laws and that it may be submitted to the current Diet session for approval.
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New EFL Release - ‘Challenging Children’
'Challenging Children' published by DELTA England, is a new stand-by book designed to inspire Primary Teachers of English as a Foreign Language. Author, Henk van Oort states that "the book offers teachers who work with learners of English from 5 to 12 years old, a wealth of activities that contain a careful balance of real work, lively fun and plenty of imagination." The author is a teacher of English and Teacher Trainer at PILGRIMS, Canterbury, England.
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Paul Riley Appointed President of OUP Japan
Paul Riley former long-time general manager of Oxford University Press Japan's ELT Department has been appointed president of the company. The Massachussetts-born American has been with OUP for over a decade, working variously as regional manager, general manager, as an editor and a sales rep. Before joining OUP he was a teacher and curriculum developer.

Paul Riley succeeds Sumio Takiguchi who has stepped down as president after 8 years of service.

Read the October, 2002 ELT News Interview with Paul Riley. ()

Birds Distinguish Languages!
A team of Japanese researchers discovered that Paddy birds have the ability to distinguish between English and Chinese. Keio University's Professor Shigeru Watanabe together with fellow researchers confirmed that the birds were able to distinguish between the two by conducting experiments consisting partly of reading English and Chinese translations of Japanese novels aloud.

It is believed to be the first time that scientific tests had proven that the birds shared the ability previously shown by mice, monkeys and various mammals. Watanabe said. "If we study common traits, such as brain structure, this may shed light on the mechanisms of speech recognition."
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The Magic of Kamishibai
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) of Tokyo announced their February 11th, 2006 event, The Magic of Kamishibai. Kamishibai (literally paper theater) is a Japanese story form dating back to the 1930s when storytellers bicycled about towns telling stories with picture cards. The event (in English and Japanese) is presented with Kyoko Sakai and Etsuko Nozaka of the International Kamishibai Association of Japan. Both have played key roles in introducing kamishibai overseas.
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International Letter Writing Competition
International Pen Friends (IPF) has recently launched its first letter writing competition based on the theme: “In this era of instantaneous communication, I am writing to tell you why it’s worth waiting for a letter.” The competition which closes on the 31 July 2006, offers four different age group categories and prizes ranging from US$25-US$100 in each category.
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Court Rules - Nova Student Illegally Billed
(KYOTO) Kyoto District Court ‘s Judge Mizuho Ebi ruled that Nova Co. illegally billed a student after refusing to refund the student the full price paid for classes that were not taken. Ebi ordered Nova to pay the student 176,672 yen and stated that "It is not valid to demand a greater financial burden than the price agreed to at the time a contract is made out," when handing down the ruling on Monday. It is believed that representatives for Nova will appeal the verdict
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