She went to Britain to learn English, but…

When I went to Britain last month I had an opportunity to speak with a young Japanese girl who came to Britain to study English. I asked her in English, "You are staying here one year? You must be able to speak quite well now then, right?" She replied in Japanese, "I am embarrassed to be asked that." "Why?"

To summarize her remarks, she could not speak English at all although she thought she would learn to speak the language if she came to Britain. But the reality was different. Even although she attends school, she can't understand at all what the teachers are saying. The same thing happens with her host family. She couldn't become friendly with the family nor make British friends as a matter of course.

As she came to Britain alone, she feels lonely and wants to find useful living information, so she naturally speaks to Japanese with whom she can communicate. There are many Japanese those like her who came from all over Japan. After all, they gather and speak in Japanese everyday.

"I came here to study English, but I mastered the Kansai and Tohoku dialects," she laughed and continued, "Since I have been here a year now, my family and friends believe I would be able to speak English fluently. I can't return to Japan now, so I am extending my stay by taking part-time work."

"And then?" "As I can't speak English, I am working at a souvenir shop for Japanese tourists. As a result, I have mastered all the Japanese dialects instead of English."

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