Questions & Answers 09. Never ask a Japanese a question in the negative 10. Greeting and Hosting an Exchange Student 11. Some Hints for the Travelers to Japan What is English Square Notes to Participants Coffee Break Quizzes & Music George's GuestBook Q & A Back Numbers 1. Why was this page named Mostly English? 2. On what occasions can we skip the subject in English? 3. What is Equity? 4. Japanese Traditional Weddings 5. Japanese Collectivism Life Styles 6. School Curriculum for 7-9th grade students in Japan 7. School Curriculum in Japan (continued from the above) 8. Additional information (continued from the above two)

     9. Never ask a Japanese a question in the negative


       I am an air pilot instructor who is presently teaching four Japanese
       students how to fly the latest aircraft.  They have limited English
       speaking capability which makes instructing quite difficult. 

       The hardest part is determining if they understand what I explain to 
       them.  They answer "Yes, sir" to almost everything I say whether they
       understand it or not.
       Occasionally, I will tell them to do something in the aircraft and again
       they answer, "Yes, sir" and continue to do what they were originally
       doing.

       Do you have any ideas as to how I can be a more effective instructor.
       I mainly want to know how I can find out if the students really under-
       stand something I just told them.
                                                                 Thank you,
                                                                 Tom

                                                                [ref-es0009]

       The best thing is to insist, from the very beginning and as integral part
       of the training program, that students repeat the oral instructions you 
       give them.  This practice of repeating an order, called "fukushou" 
      (pronounced "fook-show") was well established in the old Imperial Army
       and Navy; I am sure the new Self Defense Forces personnel are familar 
       with it.

       One problem is that you may not be able to understand what they are repeat-
       ing (saying) since they may have thick Japanese accent.  But this may not
       be too serious a problem since you are the one who give instructions,
       so you know what to expect.

       In communication between English and Japanese speakers neither of whom 
       are very familiar with the other's language, it is imperative that the 
       difference in the meaning of the word "yes" ("hai" in Japanese) is clearly
       understood.  Most beginners simply assume that "yes" and "no" in English
       translate into "hai" and "iie" in Japanese.  In some cases they do, but 
       there are important exceptions.  

       Essentially, "hai" in Japanese means "Roger," "Right,"  "Affirmative,"
      "OK," and even merely "Uh-huh" or "I hear you," in addition to "Yes." 
       A Japanese who are not well versed in English (or any other Western
       languages) often say "Yes" (having been taught in school that "yes" is
      "hai") even when he/she does not mean to give a definitive "yes" answer.

       That the "Japanese yes" may, in some cases, NOT mean "yes" (in fact,
       quite the opposite is true) can be seen from the following exchange of
       questions and answers:

          An American: "Don't you like that movie?"
          A Japanese:  "Yes, I don't like it."  
          American:    "Oh, you do?"
          Japanese:    "Yes, I told you; I don't like it."

       The Japanese, in answering the question, is mentally translating the
      "hai" into "yes."  What he/she really wants to say is: 
      "Right; I don't like it."  
 
      The moral:  Never ask a Japanese a question in the negative.  Ask:
      "Do you like the movie?," and expect to get "Hai (yes), I like it."
       or "Iie (no), I don't like it." as an answer.  If by mistake you ask 
       the question in the negative, expect to get "Iie (no), I like it." or 
      "Hai (yes), I don't like it."  You will then be totally confused.
 
                                                                 Kanji Haitani,
                                                                 Memphis, Tennessee

     (Note by George)

       Thank you Kanji for your contribution of precious reply on the subject.

       George has been looking for the chance of posting the article on this
       subject.  Because this is the area where most Japanese are cofused and
       where they must learn in their first lesson in English conversation.
       Following errouneous dialogue is also possible for many Japanese in add- 
       ition to the examples given by Kanji:

          An American: "Won't you go?"
          A Japanese:  "No, I will go."  

       Thank you Tom for visiting this web and asking a good question.
       Allow me for modifying your position, otherwise your students are ident-
       ifiable and may be unduly dishonored, since this is a common mistake 
       observed in many Japanese.  Why don't you encourage them to visit this
       site?

                                                                   Regards,

                                                                [ref-es0009]

     10. Greeting and Hosting an Exchange Student


       George,

       Our family (me, my husband, and our 3 children) is in the process of
       obtaining an exchange student from Japan. I would like to know how best 
       to greet her when she arrives at the airport.  Would hugs be improper? 
       I want to make a good first impression. She is 18 years old and will be 
       living with us for the school year.  I am not very aware of Japanese 
       custom, diet, or lifestyle.  Do you have any suggestions?  I do not want
       to offend her in any way.  Also, can you tell me what celebrations are 
       observed in Japan and what dates they fall on?  This is going to be an 
       interesting experience for all of us.  What can I do to make her feel 
       more at home?
                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                Helen
  
     * Click her name. You can find their life after Sayuri's joining the family. 

                                                                [ref-es0010]

       Dear Helen,


       My suggestion to you when you greet her and while she stays with your 
       family is that you treat her as a part of your family. You may know
       that Japanese do not have a custom of hugging openly even among family.
       But the student is now in Canada, and this must be the first lesson that 
       she learns after her arrival. Serve her the diet your children are served
       Assign her jobs in the house the same as you request of your children. 
       She is not to be treated as a guest, but as a member of your family. 
       This is not offensive at all, since she is going there to learn the Cana-
       dian lifestyle.

       There is one advice regarding diet though. I do not think she has any 
       problems in being served your diet, but it is possible she may miss 
       Japanese food once in a while.
       In preparation for this need, you'd better advise her to carry an electric
       rice-cooker (denki suihanki or denki gama in Japanese) with her when she
       comes.  And let her cook herself.  I have never visited Nova Scotia and I
       do not know if there are Japanese food shops but most of materials should
       be arranged also at Chinse food shops.
       I hope she is a good cooker and you can enjoy Japanese food.

       She may be delighted to have a chance of joining a home party, inviting 
       a few friends. BBQ would also be an excellent experience for her. 
       Japanese have only a limited chance of holding parties, including at home.

       As to the celebrations, you have many more pleasant days than Japanese 
       do, conventionally, religiously. Why don't you leave the matter as you do?

       I would suggest the following, if you are yet concerned with;

    (l)January 1st has much more significant meaning for most Japanese than 
       Christmas. Japanese added their age by one on this date until the end of
       WW2. We exchange new years cards, greet relatives and friends. We do not
       have Christmas holidays but we have 4-5 days holiday before and after 
       Jan.1.

    (2)We have obon ceremony and festival during mid July through mid August, 
       depending upon area succeeding 2-3 days. This is based upon Buddism. Our
       ancestors and beloved family members who have passed away come back to 
       the real world in these days.  They will celebrate reunion at temples, 
       tombs and at home.

    (3)We have more national holidays than you have. But most of these have 
       nothing to do with personal celebrations except one.
       January 15 is a special day for boys and girls who have their 20th 
       birthday in the year. They are deemed to be adults from this date 
       after. This is a once in a lifetime celebration day for them.

    (4)The most enjoyable, but most tough celebration of yours for her may be
       prom. Japanese are not prepared for this celebration and it is the most
       unexpected of all.  She may need much advice and assistance, if she has
       a chance of joining this.

       One advice at the end, 

       Please advise her how to use your bathroom on the very first day of her
       arrival, othewise your bathroom will be flooded, since Japanese bath has
       a drain in the floor with its wall and floor water-proofed not likewise 
       yours.  And Japanese do not care of pouring water out of bathtab and this
       is the way they use bath.

       You may also learn the difference of lifestyles by having her
      as your new family member. I hope this works to enrich your
      lifestyle too.

       I hope this can be an answer and help you have the student.

                                                              Regards,
 
                                                              George 
      ( Note )
       This text was proofread by Joyce, George's friend in Kansas.
       George is grateful for her kind support and advice. 

    11. Some Hints for the Travelers to Japan 


      Hello George,


      My name is Naomi.                               (skipped a few lines)

      How I ran into your web page or whatever you call it, I have the slight-
      est clue. Anyhow, I was wondering if you could help me out. 

      I'm on the Stanford Women's Basketball Team and I have been chosen to be 
      a part of a Pac-10 team that will be touring Japan in August.  Therefore, 
      I wanted to know a few things about the cultural differences that we'll
      encounter in Japan (i.e. clothes, customs, housing, traditions, etc.)

      So if you had any helpful hints, they'd be greatly appreciated. If not, I
      guess I'll just make the dreaded trip to the library ** No big deal**
      So please if you can reply to my e-mail. I think I can handle that much. 
      Or if not, I'll try to find my way back to your web page to see if my
      message that I sent to you was a success. 
      Ok, thanks for your time and consideration.

                                                             Have a nice day.
                                                             Naomi Marie 

                                                                [ref-es0011]

      Dear Naomi,


      You asked me the difference in the culture and customs in Japan and in US.
      This is exactly the theme I am looking for in my home page. Your question
      can not be answered in just mails of a few pages.

      I am addressing therefore the points which may be better to be advised of
      in advance of visiting Japan for the first time.  Though generally speaking,
      there may not be so much difference between in visiting and living 
      temporarily for a short term in Japan and the same in the USA.

      I have been looking for informative reference books.  But I abandoned
      this effort, since it looks as if these guide books may be available only
      at bookstores or travel agents located out side of Japan.

      I would recommend that you visit book stores or travel agents and look for
      guide books or brochures prepared for travelling to Japan, since I may miss
      some of minimal necessary information to be mentioned, though I am writing
      here some hints that I consider beneficial for you to know beforehand.

   1. Gaijin
      The literal meaning of gaijin (pronounced "guy-jeen") is visitors from foreign
      countries.  But many Japanese are apt to consider gaijin as different people 
      from Japanese and may treat gaijin differently.  This should not be regarded 
      as discrimination.

      They simply think gaijins can not speak Japanese. Accordingly no need to
      distribute free copy of Japanese newspaper to them.
      Gaijin can not use chop sticks and must be served with knives and forks.
      Gaijin will not like public bath, which are commonly annexed to hotels in
      Japan.

      Gaijin can be better translated as alien.
      You may sense the feeling of being treated as a gaijin especially in rural
      places.  You may be stared at by young kids.  You may be served differently,
      even when they do not mean to be rude.  They just want to be courteous and
      be friendly.  Some of you may sometime feel frustrated by being treated
      differently.  Please request them to treat you equally as Japanese are
      served, if you want to try their way.  They have no objections at all. 

      And do not worry on this point, Japanese, especially younger generation, 
      are willing to assist you when you have a problem because you are a gaijin.
      Most of Japanese are not good at speaking English and therefore they 
      understand the problems of a gaijin and will try to understand her/his needs
      even when a gaijin makes a mistake.

   2. Not many English signs are available.
      I hope you do not feel lost in anyhere in Japan.  When I was in NY, my 
      friend visited Japan for the first time.  She complained to me that I did
      not advise her there are very few sign boards in English.  I did not realize 
      this until I traveled to Japan the next time.

      I recommend that you know beforehand where you are going and how you want to
      go there.  English sign boards are very limited even at public utilities.
      However, do not be so nervous.  Most boys and girls of young generation
      can speak English, though not fluent and will be trying to be courteous
      to gaijins.  

   3. No tips
      No tips are expected for any services.  There are no exceptions.  Service
      charge is always included in the bill.  American travelers have poisoned 
      them with giving tips in some of the business areas though.

   4. Food is very expensive.
      Food and beverages in Japan are surprisingly expensive. This is especially
      true at hotels or at decent restaurants.

   5. Utilize public transportation where available.
      Atlanta is notorious for its traffic jam.  It is worse in Tokyo or in any
      big cities,  Public utilities such as trains and subways are well implement-
      ed and cover many of the important spots.
      I advise you to use these public utilities where available.  Least advisable
      is to rent a car and drive yorself in the urban area.

   6. Unlucky numbers
      Four and nine are considered unlucky by some Japanese. Four in Japanese
      is shi ("shee") and it has same sound as the word meaning death.
      The number nine is read ku ("koo") associating with another word meaning pains
      or suffering.
      Dont't be surprised, if you cannot find rooms numbered 4, 9 or 13 at some
      of the hotels.


      Enjoy your trip and stay in Japan,
                                                                    Regards,
   
                                                                    George 
      ( Note )
       This text was proofread by Joyce, George's friend in Kansas, again.
       George is grateful for her kind support and advice.  
       George added pronounciations for Japanese words at the advice by Derek.
       Thank you Derek

  

     English Square is prepared to function as a cross cultural
     information center.

      English speaking people who have questions or comments on Japanese
      culture, behavior, emotions or language should feel free to send in
      any such items to be posted. 

      George would feel it more than happy if this square could be of some
      help to American or English speaking students who must learn more about
      the outside world by being _the_ place where they can send in questions
      about Japan in English and get answers.

      Also, Japanese people who might have the same kinds of questions or
      comments about English speaking people are welcome to submit their ideas.

      But please use common sense, and refrain from using language that are
      inappropriate or generally offensive, when you send in such questions
      or comments.   Please refer to the  Notes for specifics.
      George is not necessarily in the position to personally reply to every
      comment or question sent, but will try to post each message.
      Comments and answers to these posted questions from interested parties
      will be highly appreciated and posted.  

      Please send your comments or questions via e-mail to George
                    
      Next topics may be selected from these comments or questions.   

On what occasions can we skip the subjet in English?
What is Equity?
Japanese Traditional Weddings
Japanese Collectivism Life Styles