So-So Japanese

As you know, my English is so-so even I made such an English blog. But almost every Japanese going to US (or somewhere) tend to hesitate to speak their own, in case they have someone to translate.

I always try to encourage them "Please speak yourself as possible as you could. Do not hesitate to make grammatical mistake. Since English is not our native language, nobody expects you to use perfect English. Just speak loud and slow."

If you were a little bit familiar with Japanese, you must know a word "Suimasen". This word can be also used to call waiter at restraint or shop etc. This is very useful word.

Do you know the exactly meaning of "Suimasen"?

Did you have an experience when you saw Japanese you didn't know each other, you were neglected even you smiled and/or say "Hello"?

This is because culture difference and Japanese are just shy.

I don't know if every Japanese agrees, but I think typical Japanese manner when people see unfamiliar people is not seeing so mach on the road or somewhere.

It is interesting that "can" and "can't," sound almost same.

I thought that it is just Japanese hearing issue, but people say even native English speaker could misunderstand. But still, it is more difficult for Japanese.

For me, American only distinguish them the rhythm and tempo. Of course, in most of cases, people know if it is can or can't he or she want to say. But it could make serious problem at business discussion.

Do you know how long typical Japanese learns English? Now some school starts earlier than that, but officially, we start learning English from junior high school, 12 or 13 years old.

Thus, 3 years at junior high school and another 3 years at high school. Many people learn additional 4 years at university.

On the other hand, it is well known that Japanese English skill is bad especially, listening and speaking. I think that there are two major reasons.