I’m bemused by American’s that take offense to people not speaking the local language when visiting the US, “this is America! We speak English!”, but that then go to other countries and still expect people to speak to them in English. Strike bemused. Embarrassed? Care not to be associated with them? Happy when I’m mistaken for an Australian? Appalled, really. Especially when their solution to not being understood is to just speak LOUDER English.
Screaming at someone in a foreign language is NOT the solution, people. It’s not everyone. Just a choice few that make me want to slam my head against a desk or bow profuse apologies for my countrymen’s rudeness.
It is enough, even, to drive me to air my frustrations on the internet for the world than to bash back in my face ‘how dare you!’. That’s how things go nowadays, correct? Hear me out first! Speaking the local language while abroad really can make a difference!
Etiquette abroad: Speaking the Local language
A word on etiquette for traveling to or living in a foreign country. Especially in Japan. Even the smallest attempts to try speaking the local language will get you leaps and bounds ahead.
For starters, commit these 5 phrases to memory: hello, excuse me, thank you, I’m sorry, can I have a beer? (konnichiwa, sumimasen, arigatou, gomennesai, nama bi-ru onegaishimasu).
I don’t know how many times I’ve said a basic “Konnichiwa” (good afternoon) to a store clerk and had accolades returned to me about “how wonderful you speak Japanese!” and “how long have you been here?!”. All in Japanese, of course.
Some people take offense to that, actually, if you catch rants on Twitter, but if it puts a smile on someones face to have been spoken in their native tongue – which it does – why not make someone’s day?!
Even though Japan’s hospitality is well known around the world, I find that to escalate even more so with basic attempts at speaking Japanese. What years ago I thought was a non-welcoming attitude (hardly everywhere, but some places I’d find), I’ve found recently that it’s not because you don’t speak Japanese, it is actually in a lot of cases that THEY don’t speak English. And feel bad about it!
Again, you’ll find arguments to the contrary but this is my experience after many years in country. A nice disposition goes a long ways!
Learn some quick basics of the Japanese language
This is why, it’s great to have some working knowledge of the language. Especially for food! A quick “日本語は大丈夫” (nihongo wa daijyoubu) or “Japanese is OK!” and you’re welcomed with open arms. I’ve found some of the best food in places that gave me the “oh we’re sorry we don’t have an English menu” look first, to be happy that they can have me enjoy their food.
Sure, there’s still some struggle sometimes but you made that first attempt and you receive a certain amount of respect for that. Kanji is scary and intimidating but a lot of food names can be found in Katakana, the “foreign words” syllabary. Also, apps now make it super easy to translate on the spot! Pointing is okay if all else fails on pronunciation.
It’s nice to be able to say “thank you” in the native tongue though.
Of course, the quintessential “生ビールお願いします” (nama bi-ru onegaishimasu) or “can I have a draft beer please?” will also take you far.
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Phrase books go a long way
In resort areas or the big cities (Tokyo for sure), English is a lot more common, there is much more of an attempt to speak it. Quip back a word or two of Japanese though, and see what you get. To help out, I’m personally a fan of the Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary and carried it on my person for years until I was comfortable enough without it. The smile and appreciation you get are worth every attempt in the world.
So let’s have less yelling (I promise, it doesn’t work :)) and more smiles. Make an attempt at speaking the local language. You’ll be surprised the doors it may open. And if you’re going to be somewhere a little longer? Try and get some conversation classes in!
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Amazing concept! When Americans start yelling to compensate for their lack of Japanese language, I find myself wanting to interject: “THAT’S OBVIOUSLY NOT WORKING.”
I was thinking I should print index cards with basic phrases on them and just discretely set it on the table as I walk by or something.