ScheduledSpeaking with the Hands, Seeing the Culture; Linguistic Diversity in Japanese and American Sign Language

Sign language, which involves "speaking with the hands," reflects cultural and social characteristics that differ from spoken language. This lecture introduces the appeal of sign language as a mirror of linguistic and cultural diversity, comparing the structure and expressions of Japanese Sign Language (JSL) and American Sign Language (ASL). We will also touch on how sign language reveals characteristics of Japanese society, the place of Deaf culture, and challenges and hopes toward a more inclusive society. Participants will also try out basic sign language expressions and reflect on communication that transcends words.

Lecturer
Yuko YAGI/ Professor, Faculty of Welfare and Social Design, Toyo University

Graduated from the Faculty of Social Welfare, Japan College of Social Work. Completed all coursework in the doctoral program at the Graduate School of International University of Health and Welfare without obtaining a degree. Holds a Ph.D. in Care Work and Care Management.
After serving as a full-time instructor at Hiroshima Welfare College, Hiroshima YMCA College of Health and Welfare, and as a lecturer at Hiroshima International University, currently holds a present academic position.
Her area of expertise is the education and training of Certified Care Workers.

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* Preliminary materials, lecture materials, and lecture videos may not be available.
* The viewing deadline for lecture materials and videos is 7 days including the date on which they became available for viewing. (*It will be available within 7 days from the course date.)
* In order to attend the course, you need to answer the pre-questionnaire. To view the materials on the day, you need to complete both the pre-questionnaire and the post-attendance questionnaire. The deadline for answering the post-attendance questionnaire is 7 days, including the day of the lecture.

Course introduction
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Course outline

Lecture nameSpeaking with the Hands, Seeing the Culture; Linguistic Diversity in Japanese and American Sign Language
Date and timeDecember 06, 2025 (Saturday) , 03:00 PM (JST) 〜 December 06, 2025 (Saturday) , 04:30 PM (JST)
Course name2025 Toyo University Online Course - Insight into Japan
Lecturer Yuko YAGI
Professor, Faculty of Welfare and Social Design, Toyo University
TargetJapanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or above
* Participation from abroad is highly welcomed.
* All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
Capacity1,000 participants per lecture (first-come-first-served basis)
Streaming service Zoom
How to attend online
FeeFree
Application periodNovember 04, 2025 (Tuesday) , 12:00 AM (JST) ~ December 05, 2025 (Friday) , 11:59 PM (JST)
Precautions
  • All display times are in Japan time.
  • All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
  • You can freely choose if you wish to attend one or multiple lectures.
  • Those who complete the post-attendance questionnaire will have access to the materials used in the class.
  • The lecture videos will be provided if you apply for the course even if you cannot attend the lecture of the day.
Course introduction
FAQ
Apply