Date； 2007.04.06(Fri)
Japanese’s ambivalent English
The recent story about problems at an English school in Tokyo reveals perhaps more about Japanese attitudes to studying a foreign language than about the business practices of language schools.
In Japan, signing up with enthusiasm too often leads to giving up in frustration. For many, learning to chat a bit or get ready for a trip might seem just another consumer option, but the nation's level of foreign language ability deeply connects to its future.
Many countries around the world have already benefited from knowing English and foreign languages. India, long one of the most fluent in English, (even when its pronunciation is not always clear) has built an entire industry in computer services, all in English.
While the grip of American influence worldwide may yet loosen, the reality of English as the most commonly used language will continue. No other lingua franca has yet to emerge. Around the world, everyone from account executives to restaurant staff shows a comfort with English that, like it or not, is the clearest evidence of a willingness to interact with the world, but in this global conversation, Japan all too often blushes and stammers, so make up your mind and do not hesitate when taking what you think was the right decision. That’s all folks, see you next time!
In Japan, signing up with enthusiasm too often leads to giving up in frustration. For many, learning to chat a bit or get ready for a trip might seem just another consumer option, but the nation's level of foreign language ability deeply connects to its future.
Many countries around the world have already benefited from knowing English and foreign languages. India, long one of the most fluent in English, (even when its pronunciation is not always clear) has built an entire industry in computer services, all in English.
While the grip of American influence worldwide may yet loosen, the reality of English as the most commonly used language will continue. No other lingua franca has yet to emerge. Around the world, everyone from account executives to restaurant staff shows a comfort with English that, like it or not, is the clearest evidence of a willingness to interact with the world, but in this global conversation, Japan all too often blushes and stammers, so make up your mind and do not hesitate when taking what you think was the right decision. That’s all folks, see you next time!