by Wonsuh Song
Having lived in Japan for a considerable time, I often encounter people who have immigrated or otherwise settled here under various circumstances. Among them, there are those born in Japan to Korean parents who, despite their heritage, have never had the opportunity to fully learn the Korean language. When you delve into their lives, you discover that the demands of work and daily survival left them with neither the time nor the incentive to study their mother tongue.
This situation is not unique to those of Korean descent. Many Japanese Brazilians, second- or over third-generation, who have returned to Japan face similar challenges. Although they use a Japanese-style surname, they often add a Brazilian given name to emphasize their identity. Portuguese may be their primary language, but speaking Japanese poses significant difficulties. Consumed by the need to earn a living in what is, for them, a still unfamiliar land, they cannot easily overcome the language barrier.
Yet, if we think about it, people who live abroad—regardless of their generation or background—have immense potential when it comes to bilingualism. If they fail to learn both the local language and their mother tongue, it’s understandably a source of regret. But for those who do master two languages, the benefits extend far beyond mere communication. They can serve as a bridge between the two cultures they straddle. Language is much more than just spoken words; it is a conduit for sharing values, traditions, and perspectives.
Those who are fluent in both languages have a particularly broad outlook, enabling them to act as effective mediators and coordinators between the societies of their native and adopted countries. This ability not only provides significant personal opportunities but also positions them as indispensable connectors between different cultures. In our increasingly globalized world, what companies and organizations seek most are individuals who can move seamlessly between multiple languages and cultural contexts.
I’ve seen this potential firsthand, prompting me to reflect on my own life. When I consider whether I’ve truly supported my children in acquiring and maintaining bilingual skills amid our busy daily routines, I realize that I may have overlooked some important aspects. This is equally true for second- or third-generation Koreans abroad, as well as new immigrants who have just arrived. They all need structured and ongoing support to continue developing both their mother tongue and the language of their new country.
Language isn’t merely a “skill” for conversation; it is the core of one’s identity and a gateway to new opportunities. As a society, we should recognize and harness the value of this unique asset by offering broader, more strategic support to multicultural families and diaspora communities. At the same time, individuals with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds should never lose sight of their own worth and the importance of their heritage.
By cherishing their own language and identity while also adapting to new languages and cultures, these individuals will continue to gain recognition and expand their fields of activity. Their dual-language proficiency offers infinite possibilities—something all of us would do well to acknowledge in this ever more interconnected era.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of School Teacher Education, Shumei University
Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Waseda University
Visiting Researcher, Center for Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo
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