On Tuesday 5th October 2021, 90-year-old Syukuro “Suki” Manabe, a senior meteorologist at Princeton University, shared a Nobel Prize in physics with two other scientists. In an interview, Manabe was asked why he became a U.S. citizen and pursued his career outside of Japan. He said that in Japan, people are often focused on not doing anything that could disturb others, instead prioritizing harmonious relationships. In the U.S., however, he found an open atmosphere.
“I can do whatever I please in my research,” he said. “My boss was generous enough to let me do anything I want.” He said he felt comfortable doing his research without worrying about what other people thought. “That is one reason … I don’t want to go back to Japan,” he said. “Because I’m not capable of living harmoniously.”
For the full article, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/10/06/world/science-health-world/syukuro-manabe-nobel-prize/
English language damaging Japanese culture?
Another interesting perspective can be found on Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English-language_education_in_Japan
The following excerpt from “‘Internationalisation’ is ‘Japanisation’: Japan’s foreign language education and national identity” Hashimoto, Kayoko (1 April 2000).
“The English language is seen as an aggressive and individualistic language which is the opposite of the Japanese language and culture. For a more reserved Japanese citizen to force themself to be more ‘outgoing’ and ‘outspoken’ when they speak English, it is a direct conflict of how they should talk in the Japanese government’s minds.[11] ”
Politely disagree
In my experience of meeting many Japanese people, they all have different personalities and opinions. That may be because the majority of people I have met speak English. Do Japanese people become more self-aware, opinionated, and rude by learning English?
The people I have met have their own opinions, ideas, and identity but are also polite, courteous, and considerate as the Japanese stereotype portrays, not at all rude. Having a difference of opinion does not always mean discord, nor should it. It’s just different.
Food for thought
Being open to a different perspective or knowing what your preference is and freely expressing it is fine. If you like coffee and your friend doesn’t, they are still your friend. We choose how sensitive we are to a subject and how to react to others’ differences.
Some subjects are objectively abhorrent and discussion can acknowledge or reinforce such things. Only through talking can we find out new perspectives and how comfortable they fit with ourselves. You may find something better fitting to yourself through talking about one’s self. By learning English does that happen?
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションをあなたらしい英語で。一人一人のレベル、能力、興味に合った教材や方法での英語レッスンプログラムをオンラインで学べます。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
