Rate My Professor Kumiko Katayama

Dr. Kumiko Katayama is a Senior Lecturer and Japanese Program Coordinator in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences at Griffith University, Gold Coast campus. Affiliated with the university since 1998, she specializes in teaching Japanese language and culture, including courses such as Japanese Society and Pop Culture (2406LHS) and others in the Japanese program. Katayama holds a PhD in applied linguistics from the University of South Australia. Her research specializations include second language acquisition focusing on Japanese language, work-integrated learning, immersion programs, and the roles of consumer co-operatives in rural Japan.

Katayama's key publications demonstrate her contributions to applied linguistics and language pedagogy. In 'What Makes Students Speak Japanese in Immersion Programs?' (Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2019), she uses Critical Discourse Analysis on policies and documents to show how peer dynamics with background/heritage learners (20-25% of students), class environments allowing English use, and ambiguous treatment of diverse learners impact speaking skills. The study highlights self-censorship among proficient background speakers due to shyness and pressure, advocating policy reforms for inclusive immersion education. She co-authored 'Japanese migrant teachers in Australia' (Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 2026) with T. Onodera and K. Hashimoto. Other works explore English use in immersion and consumer concerns in rural Japan. Katayama serves on the editorial board of the Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics, supervises higher degree students, coordinates Japan in-country independent study programs, convenes language speech contests, and presents seminars on student-centered language teaching shifts.