- Takara Kenza Allal-Sumoto
- Position
- Associate Professor
- Degree
- PhD in Informatics - Neurolinguistics (Kyoto University), MA in Applied Linguistics & English Language Teaching (University of Nottingham), BA in English (Kobe City University of Foreign Studies), BA in Music (Osaka College of Music)
- Specialization
- Second Language Acquisition / Neurolinguistics / English Education and Social Justice
researchmap
- Research Field
- My research lies in the fields of second language acquisition, neurolinguistics, and English education. I examine second language learning from both cognitive and pedagogical perspectives, combining brain-based research on language processing with studies of educational practices in university English education.
- Research Topic
- My research focuses on two main areas.
First, from a neurolinguistic perspective, I investigate how second language learners process English in the brain. Using electroencephalography (EEG), I examine the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and neural activity during listening and speech production. The findings from this research inform the design of English courses that support students learning English as a second or foreign language, as well as students studying academic content in English.
Second, I study course design and educational practices that address contemporary global and social issues in English education. In particular, I explore how classroom discussions on topics such as diversity, social justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can help students develop ethical judgment and critical thinking about the roles and responsibilities of individuals, companies, and societies in Japan and around the world.
- Message to Prospective Students
- Graduate study requires an even more proactive and self-directed approach than before. To support students’ creative ideas and willingness to take on challenges, we strive to provide an open, fair, and safe environment for learning and research.
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