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Niko · Tue 08-Aug-06, 02:30 PM

Konnichiwa, O-Genki Desu Ka?

So what do you think? Is it worthwhile learning the local language when teaching abroad?

I would have to say learn the basics and that's it. Once you start to seriously learn a language, it will become a lifelong chore. I now regret having learnt Japanese some 10 years ago.

I wish I had only learnt basic phrases and that's it.

So why, you may be asking? Well, everyday that passes by and I don't try and learn Japanese, I feel guilty! If I don't try and improve my Japanese, then I feel it's a waste of what I've learnt til now. Not using a language you will soon forget it.

Nowadays, I have so many more other things I want to do in life.learn Japanese

Mountain climbing
Traveling
Trying to start a side business
Relaxing in front of the TV ...

With the constant chore of having to learn Japanese, I now feel guilty if I don't pickup a Japanese text book once a day. I now wish I never became such a strong speaker in Japanese.

I have come to realise that the Japanese jump at the chance to speak English. So, give them the opportunity and let them be the ones to waste their time learning another language. For me, there just aint enought time in the day anymore.

My suggestion to all English teachers who want to teach in Japan, China, Korea or wherever - don't spend too much time learning the foreign language. Instead spend your time skilling for your eventual return back home.

Paul G.
(Teacher in Tokyo, Japan)

Tue 08-Aug-06, 02:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Niko Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Nationality: Australian Occupation: Editor Location: Posts: 220	Learning the Local Language Konnichiwa, O-Genki Desu Ka? So what do you think? Is it worthwhile learning the local language when teaching abroad? I would have to say learn the basics and that's it. Once you start to seriously learn a language, it will become a lifelong chore. I now regret having learnt Japanese some 10 years ago. I wish I had only learnt basic phrases and that's it. So why, you may be asking? Well, everyday that passes by and I don't try and learn Japanese, I feel guilty! If I don't try and improve my Japanese, then I feel it's a waste of what I've learnt til now. Not using a language you will soon forget it. Nowadays, I have so many more other things I want to do in life.learn Japanese Mountain climbing Traveling Trying to start a side business Relaxing in front of the TV ... With the constant chore of having to learn Japanese, I now feel guilty if I don't pickup a Japanese text book once a day. I now wish I never became such a strong speaker in Japanese. I have come to realise that the Japanese jump at the chance to speak English. So, give them the opportunity and let them be the ones to waste their time learning another language. For me, there just aint enought time in the day anymore. My suggestion to all English teachers who want to teach in Japan, China, Korea or wherever - don't spend too much time learning the foreign language. Instead spend your time skilling for your eventual return back home. Paul G. (Teacher in Tokyo, Japan) Attached Images To view attachments in this forum your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.