A bit of 水曜日のワークショップ

Oh, I forgot to mention, that day was a chat-style workshop. Also, I have ChatGPT revise the English transcript for us.

**0:01 - F**

I went back once to get my jacket. It was cold and windy yesterday.

**0:15 - Y**

It’s been pretty windy lately.

**0:20 - F**

Yeah, it’s a big change. Just the two of us today. The night chat ended last week for some reason. You’ve never joined the night chat, right? Maybe we should try it sometime—like a ‘Clubhouse’ session. *<laugh>*

The Clubhouse rooms were really easy to join from other countries. I even had someone from Azerbaijan join! There were people from many small countries—it was fascinating. What do you remember from Clubhouse?

**2:49 - Y**

Did you join several times? I really enjoyed it.

**4:29 - F**

We really need to rethink some things.

**4:38 - Y**

Yeah, especially when it comes to English proficiency. Japanese leaders struggle with English, but in general, Japanese people can speak English. Still, it’s not at a global standard for deep discussions.

**5:58 - F**

You’re right. For a long time, the Japanese have been required to learn English as part of government policies. A common question I get is, "Why can't Japanese people speak English better?"

I visited a Toastmasters club in Hong Kong. There were members from Western countries, other Asian countries, and all over the world. I was the only Japanese person there. My English is still at a beginner level, so it felt easier for people from other countries.

**8:31 - Y**

In Japan, we start with grammar and writing, but overseas they begin with phonics, which makes a big difference.

**9:07 - F**

There’s nothing wrong with memorizing textbook conversations and practicing them, but those dialogues are often very different from real-life conversations. Our English skills are too limited to have natural conversations.

**10:05 - Y**

When I was in Portland, I went to a café and ordered coffee. The staff started chatting with me, but I couldn’t understand what they were saying at all, and they laughed at me.

**11:27 - F**

Y-san, being able to keep a conversation friendly with expressive sentences is such a valuable skill.

**12:20 - Y**

With COVID restrictions and the yen being weak, it’s become harder to travel, and people’s motivation to study English is dropping.

**13:11 - F**

Yes, motivation is low, and travel is expensive.

Do you remember when we did those interview sessions in Asakusa and Haneda Airport? Those were really great for practicing English. I watched the video recently and thought it was a good experience.

**16:09 - Y**

These days, there are so many foreigners walking around everywhere. I think about talking to them, but I hesitate because I don’t know if they’re tourists or living in Japan.

**16:57 - F**

In situations like that, you could just speak to them in Japanese if you make eye contact. If they respond fluently in Japanese, continue the conversation in Japanese. If they don’t seem to understand, then switch to English.

I’ve heard that some foreigners don’t really appreciate being approached just for someone to practice their English. So, it’s better to smile, maybe compliment something they’re wearing, like their T-shirt, in Japanese. Depending on their reaction, you can decide whether to continue in Japanese or English. Just be natural about it.

Anyway, let’s enjoy speaking English when we can.

**55:15 - Y**

Thank you so much.

**55:16 - F**

You’re welcome. Have a great rest of your day!