Excuse me?
Tuesday, March 13th, 2007I was in a local coffee shop when having breakfast when I heard something that always gets my attention.
“わたしは。。。um… 日本。。。すみます。”
This broken conversation was coming from the table next to me, and another table beyond that. I had of course noticed some 日本語 being spoken earlier, but had gone back to reading my newspaper. I couldn’t think of any excuse to introduce myself and do some 話し練習1, but still was listening in. Someone had heard someone else at the table next to them speaking Japanese, and had introduced themselves. One group of four was visiting 上海, the other table of two lived here, and were imparting their knowledge.
Here was the problem. Maybe some other jPod listeners can relate. I felt like jumping in and introducing myself and Japanesepod101.com, but thought it was a little rude. After all, what could I say? “Look mate, you’re obviously learning Japanese, so I thought I’d saunter over and have a chat. Suffice it to say, you need to visit japanesepod101.com” I’m usually shameless in approaching 日本人 and just striking up a conversation (after all, how else can you learn a language?) but coming up to someone on the pretence that their Japanese needs improving made me feel a little 緊張2.
Anyway, I just bit the bullet, said a loud 「えと、すみません」 and went on my sales pitch. Everyone said how 上手3 I sounded, to which I gave the standard response 「いやいやいやいやいやいや」4
The 外国人 turned out to be オーストラリア人, which was a nice coincidence. He asked what I did at jPod, and I had to explain that I just wrote a little bit about it every now and then. He asked if I had a card, I didn’t. I’m not really an employee, but still, it would have been nice to give him something.
How would you have handled the situation? It might be a little rude to approach someone and say how you noticed them struggling with their Japanese, and that you have a great site to recommend to them. Some people might feel that their language skills are better than they are, and might feel that they don’t need any improving.
Maybe we need a little card/flyer to hand out to people… “If you’re interested in 日本語…”
1話し・れん・しゅう
2きん・ちょう
3じょう・ず
4Confused? Listen to 幸子先生 at My Tokyo Travelblogue - Day 7 at 16:57 when 夏子先生 remarks on how familiar she is with matchmaking parties. Her reaction is a great example of an 「いやいやいやいや」
Posted by Max in Max in Shanghai |
March 13th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
I’m sort of the opposite. I tend to shy away from speaking Japanese to native speakers unless absolutely necessary, which is extremely rare here in the US. It feels too much like I’m imposing on them.
March 13th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Max-san,
I love this story. I think you did the right thing. It never hurts to try to talk to people. If they give you a negative reaction, just move on, eh? Anyway, you are gregarious!! Keep it up and spread your cheer!
March 13th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Max-san
I think the wayto do it is to approach someone learning Japanese and say:
‘Sorry, I could not help overhearing..I see you speak Japanese but know English too..! I think you most likely would enjoy Japanesepod101.com, they have a lost of stories to listen to, it’s fun..”
I think the great thing about JPOD101 is that it is fun even if it is in the guise of lessons- I think it would be enjoyed by nany non natives at any levels.
Having said that I don’t know whether I’d approach a stranger with this line, being naturally reserved, but it beats a lot of chat- lines I have heard before!
mikuji
April 9th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
ええと。。。すみませんですが
The meaning of 「えと」 is a little bit different i think you mean 「ええと」。 まだ知ったらごめんね！
Still a good idea to recommend it I think that it is perfect resource for getting to know Japanese. I was at the police station claiming my lost property back and the officer asked me how many years I had been in Japan I said 2 weeks to which after she picked her jaw from the floor gave me a good opportunity to use 「いいえ,いいえそのことはないです。」
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Oh,may be something wrong!