EDUCATION

After listening to today’s presentations and reading what the new Minister of Education in the newspapers.
Please read the opinion in the December 6th International Herald Tribune.
Do you agree with the writer? Why? Give at least 3 examples to support your answer.

I agree with the writer. Actually, English speaking level of Japanese is lower than other countries that are non-native. When I went to Korea, I was heard that Japanese can't speak English well despite of high score of English test. Then, I came to know that Japanese low level of fluency in English is well-known matter in the world. I wonder where the reason is...I don't think this problem is attributable to the curriculum of English subject in Japanese school. I believe that when people study foreign language, they should know proper mother tongue. So, it has a point that Bunmei Ibuki, the education minister said "Teaching English may be necessary in the global community, but as a Japanese, one must first be able to speak proper Japanese."

I also agree with the opinion that Japanese should overcome their shyness for obtaining English. Japanese language has its own language for foreign language like wasei-eigo and katakana. I think it stands in the way of obtaining English to Japanese. We always pronounce English words otherwise.

Whether Japanese elementary schools have to teach English as one of subjects or not is very difficult problem. Through the presentation in last class, I thought the sooner people study language, the sooner they master the language. But Japanese students are in high level of English grammar or listening ability. So, the goverment deserve a new look at their education content of English subject at school. Then, speaking level of Japanese can be higher.

MEN & WOMEN

This week's homework is to read an article from the Japan Times and give your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the author (who is Japanese). Please explain why in your blog.

I agree with the author. I don't know how Japanese men are thinking about women. But it's true increasingly, women's full participation into society is being promoted, while the problem of shoushika and bankon is becoming serious today in our country.

The article says "Onnanoko wa mendoudashi, renraku shinakya-naranaishi, purezento toka okane kakarushi . . . (Girls are a hassle, they expect me to call, I have to buy them gifts and that would cost money)". Although I think this opinion may be immoderate and minority, if most men think so, I feel sorry about them. They should try to know about women more! If men know only such women, the men should find someone else who isn't like such women. We should remove prejudice about people of the opposite sex. And then, men and women have to cooperate more each other for solving the serious issues.

TABLE MANNERS

Today we discussed table manners from all over the world. Please answer the following questions in your blog.
Have you ever eaten in a foreign restaurant? Where? What did you eat? Did you make any mistakes? Please explain your experience. Did you learn anything?

I've never had meal in a foreign restaurant. But I have some experiences about differences of table manners. That was when I was younger, about 10 or so. I went to the French restaurant with my family. There are a lot of forks and knives on the table. Then, I didn't know how to use them. So, I used just only one fork. At that time, I thought just it was difficult and confusing! But now, I think that they have each meaning for good taste.

WEDDINGS

First, we talked and saw many international weddings and compared them with Japan. Please answer the following questions in your blog:Since Japanese weddings are expensive, do you think having a massive wedding like Korea or UAE is a good idea? Eloping? Having it in a foreign location like Hawaii?What is your ideal wedding? What would you definitely do or wear or go to on that big day? Why is that important?


I want to hold wedding ceremony in grand style. Because, I've thought that wedding is supposed to cost very much. It's natural for me to need money to hold wedding. Because it's wedding!! very big event!!

I think that eloping is not so good. In my opinion, people should marry as everybody agrees with that marriage. At least, I want to get marry with the man who would be admitted by my parents. In the case if family member don't agree with the marriage, they shouldn't marry. Because family is very important. It's too hard to live without help of family.

I long for having it in a foreign location like Hawaii a little. I think it would be wonderful, but I won't do that. Because I want to be celebrated by many people who I know well and want to say thankfulness to them. So, I want to hold my wedding in my hometown and want to invite many people. It's my ideal wedding.

I definitely wear traditional folk costumes and white dress that is now usual practice in Japan. I want to go to the place that is romantic and has beautiful view or something that makes us be with atmosphere, because these are one of the few occasions in our lives. So, it is very important for me.

SUPERSTITIONS

We talked about many superstitions in many countries, but do you think it is important to talk about them? Why?Is communication affected by superstitions?Do you believe in Japanese superstitions? If so, what superstitions, what do they mean and why do you do,use, or believe in them?

I think it is important to talk about superstitions because most superstitions have some meanings in them and have reasons why they were made. Of course, there are the superstitions like for just good luck. But I found out that people use superstitions, having some decent significances such as the superstitions as a way to educate children. That's good way to persuade them, I think.

I guess communication is affected by superstitions. The reason why people distinguish their ways of speaking or tones of voice when they communicate is at least related on some superstitions. For instance, people lower their volumes and tones of voice when they are in the place where they think they have to behave well like religious place.

I barely believe in Japanese superstitions. For example, I cut my nails at night. I, however, hide my thumbs when I see a hearse. I creatively use superstitions depending on whether I view the superstitions as credible or not. I also do that because of luck. Although I don't believe in that, I sometimes do the superstitions; I will be glad to have 10 Peco-chan on my parcel paper. Superstitions are one of little threats, and are also one of amusements in my life.

HOMEWORK#4

Today we talked about time in different societies and the English words associated with them. For homework, answer the following question:The English language has many proverbs and sayings about time.

1. Time is money.
2.A stitch in time saves nine.
3.There's no time like the present.
4. Fashionable late.

Please explain what you think are the meanings of each of the 4 expressions.



1. Time is money.
I think this proverb means that time is as important as money. It says that we shouldn't waste time because time is valuable as same as money.

2. A stitch in time saves nine.
I think it means that we won't have to do something if we do that on ahead. It says be diligently, or solve the matter before that will be a big problem.

3. There's no time like the present.
I guess this proverb is used when someone hurry others. People say this proverb in the case they think the moment is best chance because time doesn't wait for people; it passes nonstop.


4. Fashionable late.
When people are invited from someone to a party, they should be late a little bit. I've heard that people in the US never reach the place where the party would be held ahead of time. They think that to be early in the party is rude. I guess that's "fashionable late".

HOMEWORK#3

Today we discussed the language of clothes. After listening to the lecture and the meaning of colors in clothing, answer the following questions:

1. Do you judge people according to what they wear? Why?

I think to judge people according to what they wear is not right. Almost all people try not to judge others according to clothes of them. But unfortunately, I think we have the several prejudices about the people who are out at the heels. That's because people judge others by first impression. Clothes have big influence to the impression. Although I try not to have such a wrong thinking, not to have the bias is not so easy.

2 Do you think Japanese society puts an importance on clothing when judging other people from another country?

I don't think Japanese society puts an importance on clothing when judging foreigners. Almost all Japanese don't know about foreigners very well such as what they wear, what they eat and how they feel. There are so many questions about who aren't Japanese in Japan. In my opinion, Japanese should wonder it's natural for the foreigners, because they meet the people from other countries for the first time. Since Japanese see the foreigners on the presupposition that foreigners should not the same as Japanese, Japanese don't judge foreigners by what they wear.


3. What colors are you wearing now? Do they reflect your mood?

Now, I'm wearing a pink sweater and black pants. I don't think these clothes reflects my mood. That's because I'm wearing them as just housewares. But when I put on the wearings in the morning, I choose the clothes according to the feeling at the time. For example, I'd pick up the bright color if it was fine outside, or if I was in the cheerful feeling. On the other hand, I would choose the dark or plain color when I want to make the day serious or chic. In that sense, I think wearings reflects my mood.



Next week we will discuss friends, please prepare by answering the following questions:

1. What are some subjects that you will never discuss with a friend?

I always care what others think about me. This has relations with that we discussed at the topic of Wrapping. Although I tend to be claimable, I'm afraid of how others think about me at bottom. So, I try to select the topic according to the conversation partner. When I talk to the friends whom I don't open up so much to, I don't discuss serious problem that's related on my personal opinion. After I get the certainty that he or she is reliable, I'll start to expose what I really feel.
Therefore, I have some topics what I can share with particular people. But I also have the subjects that I will never discuss with any friends. That is, for example, the domestic problem such as serious financial matter that I don't want any friends to know.


2. Do you have different friends for different parts of your life? If so, how are they different to you? Do you talk about different things? Go to different places? Give me some examples.

I have different friends for different parts of my life. As I said at the above, I have particular friends who can trust enough to talk about my really personal problems. I always creatively use the topic according to the partner. There are many people who have their own unique characters. Some are very cheerful. Some are serious. If I talked about serious matter, I would prefer the friends who has a serious personality. On the other hand, in the case when I talk about something interesting, I'd like to discuss with cheerful friends. Of course, I have the friends whom I discuss any topics with. Therefore, I choose the friends to talk to case by case.