Hi Again,
The Japanese currently begin learning English in 5th grade, but next year they will be starting English in 4th grade. However, they don't speak much English. This is because they are taught functional English: reading and writing. My friends and I have found that if we have information written in English, Japanese people can read it and help us know where to go. However, they don't actually SPEAK English. I think this is very interesting, don't you?
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Hi Janine, I am new at this blog thing and get frustrated quite easily with computer stuff as you well know, however you have caused me to cross over into unknown lands (no punn intended) so that I can learn and connect with you during your adventure.
I am very interested in how the Japanese can understand written English and not speak it. This phenomenon mystifies me.
It is beautiful here, weather and foliage at peak.
I had Japanese hibachi last night for dinner and the menu was in English, but my husband was able to speak some Mandarin to them and they understood - probably because many of the staff are Chinese. Keep having fun. Can't wait to hear more.
Nancy
This is my 1st comment :)
As i told you before, English educational system in Japan does not focus on practical skills. This would be one of the significant reasons for Japanese' poor english skills(especially practical ones)
Also, one interesting story is that Japanese people try to avoid the contact w/ foreigners. For instance, if foreigner asks some question(like the way to the station) to japanese, most people tend to just say "no,no,no" and they run away from him. Have you experienced this in Japan since you came to here??
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