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.