Japan overhauls national education program: English Language mandated as a required subject

[Aepsilons]

Welcome to our Anglo saxon world Japan. Though you are late in the game since your neighbours like China, Philippines, Hong Kong,South Korea etc have established such measures long ago. Better late than never though. Our language is the worlds language, so its better Japan gets on board as ASAP, less it be left behind.

I'll drink to that.

 

[TheTruth]

Welcome to our Anglo saxon world Japan. Though you are late in the game since your neighbours like China, Philippines, Hong Kong,South Korea etc have established such measures long ago. Better late than never though. Our language is the worlds language, so its better Japan gets on board as ASAP, less it be left behind.

party because it's so easy to learn

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Welcome to our Anglo saxon world Japan. Though you are late in the game since your neighbours like China, Philippines, Hong Kong,South Korea etc have established such measures long ago. Better late than never though. Our language is the worlds language, so its better Japan gets on board as ASAP, less it be left behind.

Wait a minute...I thought you guys speak "British".
When did you switch to "English"?

 

[Rechoice]

In Vietnam, I don't trust on local English teacher, in primer schools. My son has been learnt English in private school where the English teacher who speak English as nature mother language. After ten year I think my son speak English better than me.

 

[Echo_419]

Welcome to our Anglo saxon world Japan. Though you are late in the game since your neighbours like China, Philippines, Hong Kong,South Korea etc have established such measures long ago. Better late than never though. Our language is the worlds language, so its better Japan gets on board as ASAP, less it be left behind.

I was surprised that such a advanced country like Japan didn't advocated the use of english

 

[asquare]

An offshoot of the greater focus on learning English will be greater access to material- TV shows, films, books, academic journals, media etc- from other countries. This will help bridge the cultural gap. In turn Japanese people will be able to produce material in English that will help others understand the Japanese way of life.

In my experience, my Japanese colleagues have to make the biggest adjustments to working in an international environment. I remember, for instance, that they were very upset and offended by sarcasm and thought it was extremely rude. I've always felt that there's a paradox while working with the Japanese- they're incredibly easy to work with and are unfailingly polite, reliable, hard working and intelligent. However, whenever I work with someone Japanese, I feel like I'm letting them down or being rude in some way. I feel doubly guilty given that they're a pleasure to work with.