DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/kiryoku.v9i2.455-469

Language Barriers: Language Training Mismatch and Communication Challenges among Indonesian Technical Intern (TITP) in Japan

Japanese Area Studies, School of Strategic and Global Studies, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia

Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 by authors under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

Citation Format:
Abstract

This study explores the language barriers faced by Indonesian low-skilled workers under the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) in Japan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four informants, each representing one of the following sectors: caregiving, fisheries, construction, and agriculture. The informants were selected using the snowball sampling technique. The findings reveal a linguistic mismatch between Japanese language training at LPKs (Job Training Institutions) in Indonesia and Accepting Organisations (AO) in Japan with the actual communication demands encountered in the workplace. While the training programs focus on grammar and standardized Japanese, they lack adequate preparation for the real-world, context-dependent communication skills needed in the workplace. Barriers such as limited understanding of technical terms and local dialects hinder effective adaptation. This study underscores the need for workplace-oriented, practical language training to enhance communication, productivity, and social integration of Indonesian TITP workers in Japan.

Note: This article has supplementary file(s).

Fulltext View|Download |  COPYRIGHT TRANSFER AGREEMENT FOR PUBLISHING (CTAP) FORM
COPYRIGHT TRANSFER AGREEMENT FOR PUBLISHING (CTAP) Fikarisma Daeng
Subject
Type COPYRIGHT TRANSFER AGREEMENT FOR PUBLISHING (CTAP) FORM
  Download (303KB)    Indexing metadata
Keywords: Language Barrier; Linguistic Mismatch; Intercultural Communication; Technical Intern Training Program; Indonesian Low Skilled Worker

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Articles
Language : EN
Recent articles
Proses Individuasi Diri Tokoh Otosaka Yuu Dalam Anime “Charlotte”: Psikoanalisis Carl Gustav Jung Educational Content in Japanese Manga: Learning Science, History, and Ethics through Pop Culture Evolusi Pengaruh Budaya Jepang dalam Desain dan Gaya Berpakaian di Indonesia: Kajian Sistematis More recent articles
Most cited articles
Verba Kompon Hajimeru, Dasu, Dan Kakeru Sebagai Penanda Aspek Inkoatif Bahasa Jepang More cited articles
  1. Brody, B. (2002). Opening the door: Immigration, ethnicity, and globalization in Japan. Routledge
  2. Dasi, A., & Pedersen, T. (2016). How does the Context of Language Use Affect the Perception of Language Barriers? In Perspectives on Headquarters-subsidiary Relationships in the Contemporary MNC (pp. 369–400). Emerald Group Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1064-485720160000017012
  3. Harrison, S., Sakudo, M., & Eom, T. Y.. (2022, November 2022). Japan to Review Controversial Technical Foreign Worker Program. Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. https://www.asiapacific.ca/publication/japan-review-controversial-technical-foreign-worker-program
  4. Iskandar, K. (2016). Trajektori Sosial Ekonomi Perawat dalam Perspektif Rantai Nilai Global: Suatu Analisis Migrasi Perawat Indonesia ke Jepang [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Universitas Indonesia
  5. Japan. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2021). 「外国人雇用状況」の届出状況表一覧（令和３年10月末現在） [List of “Employment of Foreign Nationals” Reporting Status (as of October 31, 2021)]. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11655000/000887555.pdf
  6. Japan. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2022). 「外国人雇用状況」の届出状況表一覧（令和4年10月末現在） [List of “Employment of Foreign Nationals” Reporting Status (as of October 31, 2022)]. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11655000/001044544.pdf
  7. Japan. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2023). 「外国人雇用状況」の届出状況表一覧（令和５年10月末現在） [List of “Employment of Foreign Nationals” Reporting Status (as of October 31, 2023)]. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11655000/001195789.pdf
  8. Japan. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2024). 「外国人雇用状況」の届出状況表一覧（令和６年10月末現在） [List of “Employment of Foreign Nationals” Reporting Status (as of October 31, 2024)]. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11655000/001389463.pdf
  9. Kim, Y. Y. (Ed.). (2001). Becoming intercultural: An integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation. Sage Publications
  10. Krashen, S. D. (1984). Principles and practice in second language acquisition (Reprinted). Pergamon Press
  11. Marsono, F. A., Nurohmah, H., & Jaohari, A. L. (2023). Optimalisasi Penggunaan Bahan Ajar Pada Program Pelatihan Calon Pekerja Imigran Indonesia. KIRYOKU, 7(1), 50-55. https://doi.org/10.14710/kiryoku.v7i1.50-55
  12. Michigami, F. (2023).受け入れ企業の実態と支援体制の整備 [The Actual Situation Of The Host Company And The Development of Its Support System] in Majima, et al, 技能実習生と日本語教育 [Technical Trainees and Japanese Language Education] (Chapter 7). Osaka Press University
  13. Mori, H. (1997). Immigration Policy and Foreign Workers in Japan. Palgrave Macmillan UK. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230374522
  14. MUFG. (2024). 技能実習制度適正化に向けた調査研究事業報告書 [Report of the Research and Study Project on the Appropriateness of the Technical Apprenticeship System]. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001267079.pdf
  15. Muta, K. (2023).外国人労働者受け入れの経緯と概要 [Background and overview of the acceptance of foreign workers]. in Majima, et al, 技能実習生と日本 語教育 [Technical Trainees And Japanese Language Education] (Chapter 2). Osaka Press University
  16. OECD. (2024). Recruiting Immigrant Workers: Japan 2024. OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/0e5a10e3-en
  17. Otomo, R. (2019). Language and Migration in Japan. in P. Heinrich & Y. Ohara (Eds.), Routledge handbook of Japanese sociolinguistics (1st ed., Chapter 6). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315213378
  18. Otomo, R. (2023). Linking Language, Trade and Migration: Economic Partnership Agreements as Language Policy in Japan (Vol. 33). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33234-0
  19. Prabowo, R. M., Mahzuni, D., Risagarniwa, Y. Y., & Rustam, M. R.. (2024). The Transformation of Kizukai Habitus on Asian Trainee in Japan: Striving and Competition of Labor Market in ASEAN. JAS (Journal of ASEAN Studies), 12(1), 209–229. https://doi.org/10.21512/jas.v12i1.10315
  20. Rojak, O. B., & Handayani, Y. (2023). The Correlations between Language Barriers and Occupational Safety and Health Communication in Indonesia. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 13(3), 386–395. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.49980
  21. Rustam, M. R. (2021). Oyster Cultivation Betting on Foreign Workers: A Study of Indonesian Workers in Hiroshima. IZUMI, 10, 131–142
  22. Rustam, M. R. (2023). Violence, Silence, and Vulnerabilities of Migrant Workers in Japan: Study of Indonesian Technical Intern Trainees in Japan (Doctoral dissertation, Hiroshima University). https://hiroshima.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/2002207/files/k9123_3.pdf
  23. Sanada, S. (2019). Japanese dialects in P. Heinrich & Y. Ohara (Eds.). Routledge handbook of Japanese sociolinguistics (1st ed., Chapter 4). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315213378
  24. Takeuchi, J. D. (2023). Language Ideologies and L2 Speaker Legitimacy: Native Speaker Bias in Japan. Multilingual Matters & Channel View Publications. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.22679681

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2025-06-18 19:36:07

No citation recorded.