'English and I' Studies (3)- English for surviving in foreign countries

Third essay about 「English and I」was written by Shoji Kokami. He is one of famous movie director and dramatist in Japan. His title of the essay is 「English for surviving in foreign countries」This essay is base on his experience of studying abroad in London.

 

 

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 When he was 39 years old, he studied abroad in London to research how to educate actors. Then, he realized that 70% is listening, 20% is speaking, 10% is reading for studying English.

And he thinks that it is important for us to listen to English as we can. That is to say we can listen to lecture’s explanation in English or not is a lifeline. So he felt convinced it through his studying abroad.

In Japan, if you ask the audiences ‘Do you have any questions? ’ in lecture meeting. Then Japanese audiences rarely ask questions even if they want to ask. The reason why almost all us are afraid of telling stupid questions.

On the other hand, he points out that audience often ask questions in foreign society, because their questions are always respected even if the questions are only telling a their feelings or impression.

Therefore, he also gives us some hints to survive in the English speaking countries. So, he recommends that we should have different impression from being in Japanese society, when you are in Japan.

He said to us 「Do not be a shy. You are respected by other people when you speak English. And if you can, I recommend that you should study listening thoroughly」

So, I always think that listening is very important for us to understand and communicate with other people. But I sometimes hesitate to ask questions in the class. So, I am still a ‘Typical Japanese people’.