2008年1月22日火曜日

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.

1 件のコメント:

imyu さんのコメント...

I also think Japanese English level is low, but some parts like reading is good. Most of Japanese is not good at communication because we didn't have many communication class in Junior and high school. It is a little problem for Japanese education system.