English: a mandatory language in Japan?

512kb · May 12, 2005, 06:29

My friend said that english is taught in schools and is mandatory, and Japanese is sort of the "secondary" language. Is this true?

**Glenn** · May 12, 2005, 07:51

English is compulsory in Japanese schools from I think the fourth grade on, but it certainly is in no way the main language -- Japanese is.

Keiichi · May 12, 2005, 12:06

I think it was from the start of junior high (7th grade). I dunno. Maybe it changed. I wouldn't say it's a secondary language, as most people don't become even decent at if after high school. It's kinda like learning history at school and just forgetting it after you're done. Or you might find more intrest in it.

Keiichi

Dekamaster · May 12, 2005, 12:17

Yes, I also heard of this. It might be taught but not really practiced after. Might be the reason why Japanese may comprehend English but could not speak it fluently.

Mike Cash · May 12, 2005, 19:32

English is mandatory.

But that requires some elucidation.

Presence in English class is mandatory. Proficiency in English is not.

Tim33 · May 13, 2005, 03:01

I thought Language was mandatory in English schools also.
Spanish, French, German etc.

5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish.

I imagine the Japanese take more care in there English and can do better then my spanish but just because it is taught in school i dont think it makes it a widely used language.

Jent · May 13, 2005, 03:10

Originally Posted by Tim33

I thought Language was mandatory in English schools also.
Spanish, French, German etc.

5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish.

I imagine the Japanese take more care in there English and can do better then my spanish but just because it is taught in school i dont think it makes it a widely used language.

I don't think that Americans are as serious about learning another language as Japanese. I mean, like you said "5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish". You have to admit, that isn't a very extensive amount of knowledge about that language. You MIGHT get by if you went to a Spanish-speaking country, and that's if people understood your gestures.

I really wish it was MANDATORY to learn a language in America, like it is in Japan. I think it's a useful skill. I kinda think that Americans, for the most part, don't give a flying **** when it comes to understanding other countries and stuff.

Black Piano · May 13, 2005, 03:22

Originally Posted by Jent

I don't think that Americans are as serious about learning another language as Japanese. I mean, like you said "5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish". You have to admit, that isn't a very extensive amount of knowledge about that language. You MIGHT get by if you went to a Spanish-speaking country, and that's if people understood your gestures.

I really wish it was MANDATORY to learn a language in America, like it is in Japan. I think it's a useful skill. I kinda think that Americans, for the most part, don't give a flying **** when it comes to understanding other countries and stuff.

i totally agree with that, i know im british and all that but i lived in the U.S for a while..and yeah the other brits around here are just like that, they are so racist and bad mouth other religous beliefs and all that crap not to mention other countries, its just something i really hate... its like they think they are supirior and should own the world or something like that

**lexico** · May 13, 2005, 03:52

Originally Posted by yekita

My friend said that english is taught in schools and is mandatory, and Japanese is sort of the "secondary" language. Is this true?

Without any specifics, I would say your friend was meaning some humor reflecting some serious effort or emphasis on English education in Japanese schools.

**lexico** · May 13, 2005, 03:57

Originally Posted by mikecash

English is mandatory.

But that requires some elucidation.

Presence in English class is mandatory. Proficiency in English is not.

Might I add with a little twist:

Japanese is mandatory for Japanese students in Japanese schools.

But that requires some elucidation.

Presence in Japanese class is mandatory. Full proficiency in it is not.

Guess why many Japanese claim that 'Japanese' is the most uniquely difficult language to learn, for themselves and foreigners alike !!!

Doc · May 13, 2005, 04:07

Originally Posted by Jent

I don't think that Americans are as serious about learning another language as Japanese. I mean, like you said "5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish". You have to admit, that isn't a very extensive amount of knowledge about that language. You MIGHT get by if you went to a Spanish-speaking country, and that's if people understood your gestures.

I really wish it was MANDATORY to learn a language in America, like it is in Japan. I think it's a useful skill. I kinda think that Americans, for the most part, don't give a flying **** when it comes to understanding other countries and stuff.

You just need to make sure the mandatory second language is something that Americans will actually use.

Doc

Tim33 · May 13, 2005, 04:10

Exactly, in britain its slightly different. The languages we learn are German, French, Spanish. All countries that are extreamly close in distance.

America is not really close to anywhere. You may need some form of spanish if going to Mexico and south America but tbh who wants to??

Doc · May 13, 2005, 04:16

Well and some of the radical Hispanics think that Spanish should be the mandatory language that everyone should speak no matter what. I'm not just talking about as a secondary language, I mean primary too. Basically Spanish would be the primary and English would be the secondary. Where do we get these people from?!

Doc

DoctorP · May 13, 2005, 04:18

Originally Posted by Tim33

Exactly, in britain its slightly different. The languages we learn are German, French, Spanish. All countries that are extreamly close in distance.

America is not really close to anywhere. You may need some form of spanish if going to Mexico and south America but tbh who wants to??

Well you also need Spanish if you go to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, or Florida. Actually many more places...but those are getting real bad!

kirei_na_me · May 13, 2005, 04:35

Hey, you need Spanish even in VA!

Doc · May 13, 2005, 04:41

No kidding, with such a large number of Latins living in this country I think it's only a matter of time before Spanish becomes a mandatory secondary language. To be honest I have no problem with that. I just find it offensive that there are people out there who think we should completely change our system around just to benefit their needs.

Doc

**lexico** · May 13, 2005, 04:45

Originally Posted by Tim33

Exactly, in britain its slightly different. The languages we learn are German, French, Spanish. All countries that are extreamly close in distance.

America is not really close to anywhere. You may need some form of spanish if going to Mexico and south America but who wants to??

As Britain is facing Norway, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal, the US faces Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, The Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, just to list those across the Pacific. The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now. So ... cheers

DoctorP · May 13, 2005, 04:46

You'd be surprised how bad it has gotten in California...actually (I may be wrong here) but I believe that Spanish is required in school there...or at least highly suggested!

Doc · May 13, 2005, 05:01

Originally Posted by lexico

As Britain is facing Norway, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal, the US faces Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, The Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, just to list those across the Pacific. The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now. So ... cheers

Please don't mention oil and language barriers in the same sentence. It just makes me feel worse. >___<

Doc

misa.j · May 13, 2005, 05:04

Originally Posted by yekita

My friend said that english is taught in schools and is mandatory, and Japanese is sort of the "secondary" language. Is this true?

It sounds like your friend may be talking about an international school in Japan.

Tim33 · May 13, 2005, 05:20

The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now.

Does it only cost ￡30 to get from Japan to America

mynimal · May 13, 2005, 05:27

I always kind of compared, say, Spanish is to English as English is to Japanese. For example, you'll see Spanish translations all over in America, and you'll see people speak it regularly, and I always thought it was just as important as English is in Japan. Sure people in America may not think it important to learn Spanish, but it still is. Am I right?

**lexico** · May 13, 2005, 05:28

Originally Posted by Tim33

The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now.

Does it only cost ￡30 to get from Japan to America

So sorry ! I meant from 'here' to 'there.' To be on topic, I mistakenly imagined myself in America. It's definitely cheap for 'us,' the cheapest in the world, and that makes 'us' close to all those countries. Sorry to the rest of the world, but 'we' try to share it with 'you' whenever 'we' can. Not much, is it ?

Doc · May 13, 2005, 05:34

Originally Posted by lexico

Ooops, sorry. I meant from 'here' to 'there.' To be on topic, I mistakenly imagined I was an American. It's definitely cheap for 'us,' the cheapest in the world, and that makes 'us' close to all those countries. Sorry to the rest of the world, but 'we' try to share it with 'you' whenever 'we' can. Not much, is it ?

*waves hand* Pfft, don't worry about it. Our country is finally going to hybrids anyway so it's all good.

Doc

Bramicus · May 13, 2005, 07:11

Originally Posted by lexico

Guess why many Japanese claim that 'Japanese' is the most uniquely difficult language to learn, for themselves and foreigners alike !!!

You know, at various times in my study of Japanese I've thrown up my hands in despair and decided that Japanese is actually impossible for anyone to read or understand -- even the Japanese. At times like that I suspect that the Japanese must actually have no idea what they're saying, and are only pretending to be able to speak and read their own language.

May 12, 2005, 06:29	#1
512kb ええ・・・ Join Date: Apr 24, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 79	English: a mandatory language in Japan? My friend said that english is taught in schools and is mandatory, and Japanese is sort of the "secondary" language. Is this true? __________________ チャ・チャ・チャ・チャ、君の負け犬じゃない！

May 12, 2005, 07:51	#2
Glenn 考え中 Join Date: Jan 8, 2004 Posts: 5,544	English is compulsory in Japanese schools from I think the fourth grade on, but it certainly is in no way the main language -- Japanese is. __________________ Avoid Mojibake! -- 文字化けを避ける！ Dictionary at Goo - English-Japanese, Japanese-English, Japanese Language Teach Yourself Japanese and Teach Yourself Japanese Message Board Jim Breen's online dictionary and kanji lookup

May 12, 2005, 12:06	#3
Keiichi Hi Join Date: Mar 9, 2003 Posts: 818	I think it was from the start of junior high (7th grade). I dunno. Maybe it changed. I wouldn't say it's a secondary language, as most people don't become even decent at if after high school. It's kinda like learning history at school and just forgetting it after you're done. Or you might find more intrest in it. Keiichi __________________ K1

May 12, 2005, 12:17	#4
Dekamaster 「地獄の番犬！」 Join Date: Feb 12, 2005 Location: Manila Age: 30 Posts: 420	Yes, I also heard of this. It might be taught but not really practiced after. Might be the reason why Japanese may comprehend English but could not speak it fluently. __________________ Ni sen san / Ni sen go / Ni sen nana

May 12, 2005, 19:32	#5
Mike Cash Delusions of Adequacy Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: Japan Posts: 5,417	English is mandatory. But that requires some elucidation. Presence in English class is mandatory. Proficiency in English is not. __________________ Kiva: Loans That Change Lives

May 13, 2005, 03:01	#6
Tim33 Regular Member Join Date: Mar 10, 2005 Location: Oxford Age: 24 Posts: 247	I thought Language was mandatory in English schools also. Spanish, French, German etc. 5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish. I imagine the Japanese take more care in there English and can do better then my spanish but just because it is taught in school i dont think it makes it a widely used language.

May 13, 2005, 03:10	#7
Jent ~Redemption~ Join Date: Apr 21, 2003 Location: USA Age: 24 Posts: 222	Originally Posted by Tim33 I thought Language was mandatory in English schools also. Spanish, French, German etc. 5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish. I imagine the Japanese take more care in there English and can do better then my spanish but just because it is taught in school i dont think it makes it a widely used language. I don't think that Americans are as serious about learning another language as Japanese. I mean, like you said "5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish". You have to admit, that isn't a very extensive amount of knowledge about that language. You MIGHT get by if you went to a Spanish-speaking country, and that's if people understood your gestures. I really wish it was MANDATORY to learn a language in America, like it is in Japan. I think it's a useful skill. I kinda think that Americans, for the most part, don't give a flying **** when it comes to understanding other countries and stuff. __________________ Ichiban!

May 13, 2005, 03:22	#8
Black Piano ~Marshmellow Lady~ Join Date: Mar 19, 2004 Location: East Midlands, UK Age: 21 Posts: 18	Originally Posted by Jent I don't think that Americans are as serious about learning another language as Japanese. I mean, like you said "5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish". You have to admit, that isn't a very extensive amount of knowledge about that language. You MIGHT get by if you went to a Spanish-speaking country, and that's if people understood your gestures. I really wish it was MANDATORY to learn a language in America, like it is in Japan. I think it's a useful skill. I kinda think that Americans, for the most part, don't give a flying **** when it comes to understanding other countries and stuff. i totally agree with that, i know im british and all that but i lived in the U.S for a while..and yeah the other brits around here are just like that, they are so racist and bad mouth other religous beliefs and all that crap not to mention other countries, its just something i really hate... its like they think they are supirior and should own the world or something like that __________________ Miyavi is teh sex!

May 13, 2005, 03:52	#9
lexico Chukchi Salmon Join Date: Dec 22, 2004 Location: Sunny South Korea Posts: 2,223	Originally Posted by yekita My friend said that english is taught in schools and is mandatory, and Japanese is sort of the "secondary" language. Is this true? Without any specifics, I would say your friend was meaning some humor reflecting some serious effort or emphasis on English education in Japanese schools. __________________ Z: The fish in the water are happy. H: How do you know ? You're not fish. Z: How do you know I don't ? You're not me. H: True I am not you, and I cannot know. Likewise, I know you're not, therefore I know you don't. Z: You asked me how I knew implying you knew I knew. In fact I saw some fish, strolling down by the Hao River, all jolly and gay. --Zhuangzi

May 13, 2005, 03:57	#10
lexico Chukchi Salmon Join Date: Dec 22, 2004 Location: Sunny South Korea Posts: 2,223	Originally Posted by mikecash English is mandatory. But that requires some elucidation. Presence in English class is mandatory. Proficiency in English is not. Might I add with a little twist: Japanese is mandatory for Japanese students in Japanese schools. But that requires some elucidation. Presence in Japanese class is mandatory. Full proficiency in it is not. Guess why many Japanese claim that 'Japanese' is the most uniquely difficult language to learn, for themselves and foreigners alike !!!

May 13, 2005, 04:07	#11
Doc Government Man Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Location: City 17 Posts: 990	Originally Posted by Jent I don't think that Americans are as serious about learning another language as Japanese. I mean, like you said "5 years study i can count to 100 and say hello, goodbye, thankyou, please in Spanish". You have to admit, that isn't a very extensive amount of knowledge about that language. You MIGHT get by if you went to a Spanish-speaking country, and that's if people understood your gestures. I really wish it was MANDATORY to learn a language in America, like it is in Japan. I think it's a useful skill. I kinda think that Americans, for the most part, don't give a flying **** when it comes to understanding other countries and stuff. You just need to make sure the mandatory second language is something that Americans will actually use. Doc __________________ "Rather than offer you the illusion of free choice, I will take the liberty of choosing for you... if and when your time comes round again. I do apologize for what must seem to you an arbitrary imposition, Dr. Freeman. I trust it will all make sense to you in the course of... well... I'm really not at liberty to say. In the meantime... this is where I get off." -G-man

May 13, 2005, 04:10	#12
Tim33 Regular Member Join Date: Mar 10, 2005 Location: Oxford Age: 24 Posts: 247	Exactly, in britain its slightly different. The languages we learn are German, French, Spanish. All countries that are extreamly close in distance. America is not really close to anywhere. You may need some form of spanish if going to Mexico and south America but tbh who wants to??

May 13, 2005, 04:16	#13
Doc Government Man Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Location: City 17 Posts: 990	Well and some of the radical Hispanics think that Spanish should be the mandatory language that everyone should speak no matter what. I'm not just talking about as a secondary language, I mean primary too. Basically Spanish would be the primary and English would be the secondary. Where do we get these people from?! Doc

May 13, 2005, 04:18	#14
DoctorP Regular Member Join Date: Jun 3, 2004 Age: 39 Posts: 1,793	Originally Posted by Tim33 Exactly, in britain its slightly different. The languages we learn are German, French, Spanish. All countries that are extreamly close in distance. America is not really close to anywhere. You may need some form of spanish if going to Mexico and south America but tbh who wants to?? Well you also need Spanish if you go to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, or Florida. Actually many more places...but those are getting real bad!

May 13, 2005, 04:35	#15
kirei_na_me Where I'm Supposed to Be Join Date: Jan 31, 2003 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 3,922	Hey, you need Spanish even in VA! __________________ *i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)*

May 13, 2005, 04:41	#16
Doc Government Man Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Location: City 17 Posts: 990	No kidding, with such a large number of Latins living in this country I think it's only a matter of time before Spanish becomes a mandatory secondary language. To be honest I have no problem with that. I just find it offensive that there are people out there who think we should completely change our system around just to benefit their needs. Doc

May 13, 2005, 04:45	#17
lexico Chukchi Salmon Join Date: Dec 22, 2004 Location: Sunny South Korea Posts: 2,223	Originally Posted by Tim33 Exactly, in britain its slightly different. The languages we learn are German, French, Spanish. All countries that are extreamly close in distance. America is not really close to anywhere. You may need some form of spanish if going to Mexico and south America but who wants to?? As Britain is facing Norway, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal, the US faces Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, The Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, just to list those across the Pacific. The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now. So ... cheers

May 13, 2005, 04:46	#18
DoctorP Regular Member Join Date: Jun 3, 2004 Age: 39 Posts: 1,793	You'd be surprised how bad it has gotten in California...actually (I may be wrong here) but I believe that Spanish is required in school there...or at least highly suggested!

May 13, 2005, 05:01	#19
Doc Government Man Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Location: City 17 Posts: 990	Originally Posted by lexico As Britain is facing Norway, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal, the US faces Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, The Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, just to list those across the Pacific. The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now. So ... cheers Please don't mention oil and language barriers in the same sentence. It just makes me feel worse. >___< Doc

May 13, 2005, 05:04	#20
misa.j Regular Member Join Date: May 6, 2004 Location: NYS, US Age: 37 Posts: 1,165 Blog Entries: 4	Originally Posted by yekita My friend said that english is taught in schools and is mandatory, and Japanese is sort of the "secondary" language. Is this true? It sounds like your friend may be talking about an international school in Japan.

May 13, 2005, 05:20	#21
Tim33 Regular Member Join Date: Mar 10, 2005 Location: Oxford Age: 24 Posts: 247	The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now. Does it only cost ￡30 to get from Japan to America

May 13, 2005, 05:27	#22
mynimal .net Join Date: May 12, 2005 Location: Indiana Age: 18 Posts: 56	I always kind of compared, say, Spanish is to English as English is to Japanese. For example, you'll see Spanish translations all over in America, and you'll see people speak it regularly, and I always thought it was just as important as English is in Japan. Sure people in America may not think it important to learn Spanish, but it still is. Am I right? __________________

May 13, 2005, 05:28	#23
lexico Chukchi Salmon Join Date: Dec 22, 2004 Location: Sunny South Korea Posts: 2,223	Apologies, Tim33 ! Originally Posted by Tim33 The distance is negligible with all the cheap crude oil we are enjoying until now. Does it only cost ￡30 to get from Japan to America So sorry ! I meant from 'here' to 'there.' To be on topic, I mistakenly imagined myself in America. It's definitely cheap for 'us,' the cheapest in the world, and that makes 'us' close to all those countries. Sorry to the rest of the world, but 'we' try to share it with 'you' whenever 'we' can. Not much, is it ? Last edited by lexico; May 14, 2005 at 20:59.

May 13, 2005, 05:34	#24
Doc Government Man Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Location: City 17 Posts: 990	Originally Posted by lexico Ooops, sorry. I meant from 'here' to 'there.' To be on topic, I mistakenly imagined I was an American. It's definitely cheap for 'us,' the cheapest in the world, and that makes 'us' close to all those countries. Sorry to the rest of the world, but 'we' try to share it with 'you' whenever 'we' can. Not much, is it ? waves hand Pfft, don't worry about it. Our country is finally going to hybrids anyway so it's all good. Doc

May 13, 2005, 07:11	#25
Bramicus Irregular Member Join Date: Apr 8, 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 146	Originally Posted by lexico Guess why many Japanese claim that 'Japanese' is the most uniquely difficult language to learn, for themselves and foreigners alike !!! You know, at various times in my study of Japanese I've thrown up my hands in despair and decided that Japanese is actually impossible for anyone to read or understand -- even the Japanese. At times like that I suspect that the Japanese must actually have no idea what they're saying, and are only pretending to be able to speak and read their own language.

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