Saeko Ogiso小木曽 左枝子

Education History /
Work Experience

I studied Japanese linguistics at Sophia University in Tokyo, focusing on methodologies for teaching Japanese as a foreign and second language. Following graduation, I taught Japanese to international students in Tokyo for four years, primarily those preparing to enter Japanese universities. I then completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language in London to further my professional development in Japanese language education.
I later moved to Ireland, where I began my graduate studies at the Centre for Language and Communication Studies at Trinity College Dublin, earning an M.Phil. in Applied Linguistics. My master’s research examined the use of authentic texts with beginner learners of Japanese. I continued at the doctoral level and completed a Ph.D. in Education at the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, specializing in vocabulary learning among novice English-speaking learners of Japanese. During this period, I also taught Japanese at three universities in Dublin. In addition, I was involved in Japanese cultural workshops in Ireland, including activities at arts festivals, museums, and art galleries, as well as translation and interpreting work.
After seven years of studying and working in Ireland, I joined Cardiff University in the United Kingdom as a Lecturer in Japanese Language, where I taught for nine years. Before taking up my current position at Ritsumeikan University, I was an Associate Professor at the University of Toyama for four years, where I was engaged in Japanese language education and international exchange, including the coordination of international programs and the teaching of intercultural communication. I have extensive experience teaching students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in both Japan and overseas.

Specialization /
Research Interests

Research keywords

Japanese Language Education, Second Language Vocabulary Learning, Learner Autonomy, Intercultural Communication

Specialization / Research Interests

My research interests focus on Japanese language education, particularly second-language vocabulary learning, learner autonomy, and intercultural communication. My work on vocabulary learning examines the teaching and learning of loanwords (katakana words) in Japanese, including analyses of textbooks and pedagogical approaches. I have also researched learner autonomy, including portfolio-based learning in Japanese language education. In addition, I am engaged in educational practice related to learner autonomy through reflective dialogue and hold a certificate as a language learning advisor. Across my work, I seek to connect research insights with educational practice.