Eigo de?

In my three years as gaijin in Japan, it's quite rare for me to talk to a Japanese who can speak English almost on a native level. When this happens, I feel like I've been freed from an skimpy cell where words are kept to their simplest forms.

In one of our visits to Shinjuku Gyoen (well, we are regulars here), I chanced upon a short yet entertaining conversation with Yoko-san. She is conversant and friendly, and she was the one who initiated the conversation (I had to admit I was hesitant at first). She had lived in New York for five years (if I am not mistaken) and have traveled around Southeast Asia except Philippines, my dear homeland. (As a backgrounder, most Japs have a not-so-good impression about the Philippines, thus shun away from Filipinas and avoid traveling there. I'll post a longer story about this, promise!)

Japs are very eager to learn the English language for various reasons, but mostly for travel and business purposes. As an EFL/ESL teacher, I have experienced teaching Japs of varied levels. The most difficult for me, and I take it as a challenge, is to teach those in the lowest levels for they tend to speak in Japanese in the class, which I don't and can't understand. The easiest are those in the upper bracket where I can freely use some difficult and/or longer words/phrases, and can easily create a lively discussion. And the most rewarding part of my "profession" is when these students go out of the class smiling and feeling satisfied with their lessons with me. This doesn't happen everyday though as some would say "musukashi" (difficult).

On my part, I make extra effort to learn Nihonggo, not only because it is a necessity to survive here, but also for me to somehow grasp what my lower-level students are trying to say to me. They are exerting so much effort to learn English, so I must put similar amount of work of understanding their language too.

And how far have I gone with my Nihonggo? All I can say is ... musukashi! ;)

The joys of teaching

What else could be better than hearing your students say these things ...

"I enjoyed your lesson."

"I had fun today."

"I've learned so many things today."

And nothing could even beat my happiness to hear them utter these little compliments without having to ask them the question, "How was your class?" (note: another person usually asks the question, not me).

Sometimes, I also receive heartwarming salutations from my students like,

"I've been looking forward to this lesson."

"I always look forward to your lessons."

Isn't that great? Hearing such lovely expressions from those who depend on you for their language learning makes me feel warm and comfy inside, despite the brrrr-y cold weather.

It's true. There is joy in teaching, and this is something that I will treasure as part of my (rather short) life in Japan. ;)

Note: cross-posted in my GANDA blog.

Spring luck

SPRING has finally come in this part of the world. In Japan, and probably in other temperate countries, this season is most looked forward to and many (if not all) eagerly wait for it. I, for one, love spring so much because this means no more thick fur coats, no more layers of clothings and finally get rid of the "burning" coldness of winter. But this also means no more snow. *sigh*

To many (including myself), Spring connotes a new beginning to something wonderful. Spring gives birth to new life, new hope, new journey, new career, new relationships and all other new things in life. In Japan, this time is the start of its fiscal year. This is also a busy period for job seekers, as many jobs are offered by several companies at this time. Choices are many, but competition is also tough. As for me, I haven't found my best luck yet. But I am not losing hope. Never felt that, in fact. Coz I see opportunities knocking at my door one after the other. It is just a matter of careful scheduling of my rather very (as in v-e-r-y) limited working hours. I have this general impression of Tokyo that it never runs out of jobs to offer any one who is willing to earn for his daily bread. It is just a matter of choice, time and preference. Unlike in my home country, sad to say, that even for degree holders like me have very limited work choices.

Worthy of mentioning is the help extended by the government-run Hello Work and the Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners. Their help makes my job search a little easier with their extensive database system. You tell them your preferences and they will look for jobs suited to your preferences, and even endorse you to that company you are interested in. I've heard some not-so-good things about this office but in my experience, their help far outweighs whatever those things are.

My Hope is that this Spring will Spring new Hope for me.

Learning Nihonggo

Luke and I just got out of the doctor's clinic the other day when a young lady approached me, and asked for some directions. Here's how our conversation went:

Lady: Sumimasen. Ario wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Me: (quite surprised) Ario?
Lady: Hai.
Me: (still thinking of the right words to say) Ah, masugu itte hidari desu (motioning my hand toward the direction she needed to take)
Lady: Ah, hidari desu ni. Arigatou gozaimashita.
Me: Do ittashimashite.

Wow! And another Wow! I could not believe it. My Japanese has improved! Little did the lady know that I am still in Grade 1 when it comes to Japanese, or probably nursery eh. But, with that, I am proud of myself.

Normally, when someone asked me about something, I usually answer "Wakaranai". Or before I could really answer, the person asking me could already tell from my facial expression that "I don't understand what he said" or "I don't know." But now, I understand the question and can respond too! Isn't this great? ;)

In order to survive in Japan, you have to learn its language. This is the first and foremost rule. In my case, I did not do this because there's no need, at least when I first came here. My former job didn't require me to understand Nihonggo, and I turn to my husband when the situation requires it. But since I came back here last year, I felt the compelling need to learn, but still resisted. Only a few months ago when I finally got the interest and motivation to learn Nihonggo. So, I am making efforts to this end.

There are many ways to learn Japanese. You can do all or any of the following:

• enrol in a language school
• attend classes in the Universities (there are classes for spouses of students)
• attend classes held by voluntary civic organizations organized by your Ward/City
• buy books or study materials and study on your own
• have many Jap friends to practice your Jap language with

The first one is the most expensive way, but there are many foreigners willing to spend, just as many Japanese willing to spend in order to learn English. The second one is popular among wives or husbands of foreign students, especially in big daigaku (universities). The third option is open to anybody who wants to learn, and it is very cheap, almost free. I once planned to join one of these in my Ward, but it remains as a plan until now. (click here to know the various classes offered in my Ward). If you do/have the last two options, I'd say you're lucky.

And I'd say I am lucky too! Because I have an ample collection of study materials which I use -- not only books, but also audio and video materials (all these c/o hubby). I prove these to be very helpful. But nothing beats the real life. For a person as "young" as I am, memorizing those sentences is kinda tiring. So, now, as part of my rigorous language training, I have started to engage in a language exchange with a friend of mine who lives nearby. She'll teach my Japanese and I'll teach her English. Isn't this really great?

So, if you're a newbie here, my advice is to jumpstart with your Jap language lessons, no matter how you want it to be. You'll never regret it. For me, how I wish I have started it long ago. But I can never turn back the time, so I am making up for it now.

Good luck!

***************
English version of the dialogue:
Lady: Excuse me. Could you please tell me where Ario is?
Me: Ario?
Lady: Yes, that's right.
Me: Ah, just go straight ahead then turn left.
Lady: Ah, left. Thank you very much.
Me: You're welcome.