The Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted a summer open lecture themed "Intersection of Deaf People, State, and Education: Sign Language as Linguistic Capital in Asia, Africa, and Latin America," developing a pioneering approach to examining international development from the perspective of linguistic diversity and social inclusion. This lecture represents an important academic initiative that connects human rights issues such as linguistic rights protection for deaf people, elevation of sign language's linguistic status, and promotion of inclusive education with social development in developing countries.
Theoretical Framework of Sign Language as Linguistic Capital The theoretical approach positioning sign language as "linguistic capital" represents an innovative analytical framework that develops Pierre Bourdieu's cultural capital theory from the perspectives of disability studies, linguistics, and sociology of education. It comprehensively evaluates the cultural value, social prestige, and economic functions of sign language, presenting new policy directions for promoting social participation and capacity development support for deaf communities.
Comparative Analysis Across Developing Regions The analysis of sign language education in Asia, Africa, and Latin America examines how differences in language policies, educational systems, social security systems, and cultural backgrounds affect the social integration of deaf people. Key policy issues include transitioning from audio-centric education systems to bilingual education incorporating sign language, establishing sign language interpreter training systems, and improving higher education access for deaf individuals.
Development Cooperation Perspective From a development cooperation perspective, the lecture examines the potential for Japan's experience and technology transfer in relation to JICA's disability and development initiatives, UNESCO's inclusive education promotion, and international cooperation with the World Federation of the Deaf, aimed at realizing Article 24 (Right to Education) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Technology Innovation and Accessibility The discussion explores possibilities for expanding educational opportunities by overcoming geographical and economic constraints through ICT and AI technology applications in sign language education content development, remote sign language interpretation systems, and advancement of sign language recognition and translation technologies. Japan's advanced assistive technology development experience is expected to significantly contribute to the efficiency and sophistication of deaf support in developing countries.
SDGs Integration and Social Justice This lecture presents an interdisciplinary approach toward achieving SDGs Goal 4 (Quality Education for All), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), contributing to the theoretical and practical foundation building for disability-inclusive international development policies. Realizing social justice through linguistic rights protection for deaf people as linguistic minorities is positioned as a core issue in sustainable development and human security.