International School of Nagano
Updated June 2017
-Language philosophy at ISN“Language serves not only to express thought, but to make possible thoughts which could not exist without it”- Bertrand Russell

At International School of Nagano (ISN), we believe that languages are not only essential tools
for thinking, communicating, teaching and learning but also expressions of culture and identity.
At ISN, the majority of our students speak Japanese at home. We believe that this native
language acquisition is essential and requires a strong foundation. To this end, we support
mother-tongue communication. We also believe that in a global community, the need for bi- or
multilingualism is a necessity for success and that a command of English is paramount in global
communication and information access. [global citizen] Therefore, our language of instruction isEnglish. At ISN, we believe that the teaching of language is the responsibility of all staff.
We are committed to providing an inquiry-based approach to learning and believe thatreading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening and presenting should be encompassed
coherently.
● Differentiation based on language.
Since our main language of assessment is English, and each student is at a different stage of
their English learning journey, students should also have their own set of assessment criteria,
tailored to their ability to express themselves in English. This means they will be able to use
whatever tools are available to them to express their feelings, and connect with the subject
matter, without being constricted by materials too advanced for them, or worrying about
meeting too advanced expectations in terms of language use.
● Strengthening of mother-tongue
It is clear that students who are proficient in their mother-tongue find it easier to pick up
additional languages. Also cognitive skills are enhanced, and the ability to understand concepts
and the connections between them. Not only that, but one’s mother-tongue is inextricably
linked to the individual’s culture, and the culture of one’s family. Having proficient command ofone’s mother-tongue is essential.
● Individualised approach to language learning
Every person goes on their own journey as a language learner, whether that be their firstlanguage, or any number of additional languages. At ISN, each student is at a different stage on
their English language learning journey. Accordingly, they must have their own individual planfor their own situation, needs, and ability. This plan must also be continually evaluated,reflected upon, and updated by teachers and individual students.

● Language is essential for accessing inquiry
Planning, exploring, investigating, processing, and creating, all require the essential tool oflanguage. The very process of questioning and formulating ideas is shaped by how weconceptualise information. To conceptualise information, it is necessary to make conceptsconcrete with one’s own mind. While these ideas are processed, investigated, and new ideas
created, communication acts as the canvas upon which concepts are moulded, and the link bywhich they are shared. Both in our minds, and in the forum of communication, it is language
which forms the fundamental basis of the entire process.
● Language is a form of creativity
While languages have certain rules such as grammar and syntax, the capacity for creativity
within languages is almost boundless. The nature of playing with language, whether than is inpoems, creative writing, singing, or any other forms of language, is one of joy. This is both thejoy of expression and the joy of connection.
● Language empowers and gives independence
When a person can truly make themselves understood, and express their feelings in a free andclear way, this naturally leads to an increase in confidence. That is to say, confidence not only in
one’s ability to clearly express oneself, but also confidence in one’s ability to formulate
thoughts. Possessing a clarity of thought is a necessity whenever trying to find solutions toproblems, or understanding who we are, and what our hopes, dreams, and goals are.