Heesu Oh

Biography

Ph.D. Second Language Education, Nagoya University
M.A. East Asian Studies, University of Arizona / Second Language Education, Nagoya University
　
Heesu Oh is a researcher in second language acquisition and bilingualism, as well as an experienced Japanese language teacher who has taught all levels of Japanese courses. Her research focuses on the beliefs of both students and teachers regarding Japanese language learning and teaching, as well as how bilingual and bicultural individuals navigate their linguistic identities and lives within the context of multiple linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Her work explores the implications of these experiences for Japanese language education.
Her first book, The Bilinguals’ World You Don’t Know: Japanese Language Teachers’ Reading Series (『あなたの知らないバイリンガルの世界: 日本語教師読本』 webjapanese 2022), provides key insights into bilingualism in Japanese education. The book emphasizes the linguistic rights of international children and offers essential guidance for Japanese language teachers working with bilingual students. Heesu’s work advocates for the importance of recognizing the language choices of bilingual children as part of their personal, cultural, and educational development. 
Before joining Michigan State University, Heesu taught Japanese language and bilingualism in Japan at Nagoya University, the University of Arizona, and Grinnell College.