There are many situations which have difficulties because of English. When I went to starbucks, I ordered a frappuccino. I have ordered that in Japan, so I didn't worry anything. But the staff said something to me before I pay that like "ooo?" I told the order and my name as well. So I didn't have any idea but just nodded. I couldn't know what she said at that time.
At next visit, I finally got it. I couldn't hear that clearly again. But I heard like "ooip?" And when I received the frappuccino, I realized. That was "whip?"! They asked me "Do you want whip on the frappuccio?"! Do ask like that, please...! I know it's easier to say just a word, but more difficult for me to get it..!
I haven't been asked about whip in Japan, so I didn't have any idea. If I had, I might be able to understand at the first visit.
I have many experiences like that I said yes despite I didn't understand. Because asking to say again or telling that I couldn't understand sometimes embarrasses me. That looks easy but not. However I might be able to understand and know what was that at the first time if I had asked them. I noticed the importance of asking for leaning English and other language as well because of this experience.
I have one more situation that I found. That's in the bus. When I went to North Shore by bus, there were many people in the bus. I saw 2 people sleeping in the bus but they both were Japanese. All other people were awake. I realized that sleeping in the public transfer was not common in other countries. You can see many people sleeping in Japanese trains. I think they can sleep deeply because of the safety. I have never heard that someone stole something in train. I felt it's from the difference of culture but I think Japanese should have more attendance for around.
At next visit, I finally got it. I couldn't hear that clearly again. But I heard like "ooip?" And when I received the frappuccino, I realized. That was "whip?"! They asked me "Do you want whip on the frappuccio?"! Do ask like that, please...! I know it's easier to say just a word, but more difficult for me to get it..!
I haven't been asked about whip in Japan, so I didn't have any idea. If I had, I might be able to understand at the first visit.
I have many experiences like that I said yes despite I didn't understand. Because asking to say again or telling that I couldn't understand sometimes embarrasses me. That looks easy but not. However I might be able to understand and know what was that at the first time if I had asked them. I noticed the importance of asking for leaning English and other language as well because of this experience.
I have one more situation that I found. That's in the bus. When I went to North Shore by bus, there were many people in the bus. I saw 2 people sleeping in the bus but they both were Japanese. All other people were awake. I realized that sleeping in the public transfer was not common in other countries. You can see many people sleeping in Japanese trains. I think they can sleep deeply because of the safety. I have never heard that someone stole something in train. I felt it's from the difference of culture but I think Japanese should have more attendance for around.
Hi, Rina. I had the same experiences in the Starbucks. The first time I went to the Starbucks in the United States was about two years ago in Chicago. I even didn't know what are the different sizes like "short, tall, grande, venti" looks like in the Starbucks. Finally I figured it out. It is kind same in China. People will sleep in the bus or metro. We don't have to worry about if is safe or not. I will ask questions if I don't understand someone. I think it is important to ask so that I can learn something new and improve my English skills.
ReplyDeleteAloha Rina,
ReplyDeleteDid you have a great weekend?
I think that most of us have the same experience like you in the Starbucks. In case of me, I often use body language to express my order clearly. People can learn something from their experience. Regarding sleeping in the bus, the phenomenon is very common in South Korea. I think that Japan, Chinese and Korean are really busy, so they can not have breadth of mind to enjoy looking out the window. Since I have been working for 15 years, I slept all the time in the Bus or Metro. I really feel happy in Hawaii because I can enjoy my life with my family.