Foreigners new to Japan often wonder if some Japanese people can’t speak English or don’t want to speak. This is a natural question to come to mind as English is a part of the curriculum in Japanese schools.
English has become the de facto language of international communication in today’s globalized world. Proficiency in English has become an important skill for personal and professional development. And this is not because of the language itself but because of the need to have one unifying language.
However, despite its economic and technological advancements, Japan lags in English compared to other developed nations. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Japan ranks quite low at 80th place among the 111 surveyed countries. Despite English being a part of school education, many Japanese individuals struggle to speak English fluently.
This article explores the factors contributing to Japanese people’s challenges in acquiring English-speaking skills. Examining the education system gives us insights into how it operates in Japan.
We should explore linguistic differences by considering how language variations impact English proficiency. Sociocultural factors play a significant role, and we are investigating how they influence language learning.
Teaching methods are also scrutinized, emphasizing an understanding of which approaches are currently employed. Psychological barriers, a final focus of our study, shed light on individuals’ mental challenges in learning English.
Our overarching goal is to understand the situation in Japan comprehensively and, based on this understanding, engage in discussions about potential solutions to improve English proficiency in Japan.
In this article
The Japanese Education System
A. English Instruction in Japanese Schools
English education in Japan typically begins in elementary school, with a stronger focus during junior high and high school.
However, the primary goal of English instruction in these schools is often to prepare students for standardized tests and university entrance examinations.
As a result, the curriculum is heavily centered around reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Therefore, there is a limited emphasis on developing oral communication skills. The negative effect of this approach is to have students who may excel in written English but struggle with spoken fluency and comprehension.
B. Focus on Grammar and Reading Rather than Speaking
The Japanese education system‘s strong focus on grammar and reading. The issue is that this approach goes against the basic needs of a language. Language is primarily needed to communicate and comprehend. However, the Japanese education system neglects this fact at the cost of having perfection.
Japanese classroom activities prioritize written exercises and rote memorization. Therefore, fewer opportunities for students to engage in interactive and immersive language learning experiences exist.
Consequently, many Japanese students graduate with a strong theoretical understanding of English. However, they lack the practical ability to communicate effectively in everyday spoken situations. This discrepancy between written and spoken proficiency can be a major obstacle to achieving true fluency in English.
Linguistic Differences
Linguistic differences become a major hurdle in mastering other languages. These differences can be because of sentence patterns or grammatical differences. However, some languages do not have the sounds of another language, and that becomes a major hurdle in mastering the pronunciations.
Let’s check what are the hurdles which Japanese people face with using English because of these linguistic differences:
A. Fundamental Differences between Japanese and English
Japanese and English are fundamentally different languages, which makes learning English particularly challenging for Japanese speakers.
The two languages’ sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary are distinct. These differences create confusion and difficulties for learners when attempting to express themselves in English.
B. Katakana and Pronunciation Issues
Katakana, along with Hiragana, is one of the three writing systems used in the Japanese language, however, unlike Kanji, which is a logographic character system, Katakana and Hiragana are phonetic writing systems like most other languages.
The script of Katakana is specifically used to represent foreign loanwords, including English words, and is spoken in syllables. This writing system was developed after Kanji and Hiragana to simplify the representation of foreign words in Japanese. However, this phonetic simplification can result in pronunciation issues when Japanese speakers read English words written in Katakana.
For example, the English word ‘fly’ is written as フライ in Katakana, pronounced as ‘furai‘.
The issue arises when the word ‘fry’ is also written as フライ in Katakana, leading to confusion and mispronunciation. This can cause misunderstandings, such as when a Japanese person says, ‘I am flying today,’ it may sound like ‘I am frying today’ to a foreign listener.
Furthermore, the Japanese language lacks certain sounds found in English, such as “L” and “R,” and the distinctions between certain vowel sounds. As a result, Japanese speakers may struggle with pronunciation and comprehensibility when speaking English.
These pronunciation challenges can contribute to a lack of confidence in speaking and a reluctance to engage in English conversations. This reluctance, born out of the confusion, further hinders the development of oral communication skills.
Another challenge is correctly using verb forms, particularly the present-continuous form. Japanese learners may struggle to associate the correct forms with auxiliary verbs such as ‘am’ and “are.” For instance, a Japanese speaker might say, ‘I am very exciting,’ when they actually mean, ‘I am very excited’. These pronunciation and grammatical issues can hinder effective communication in spoken English for Japanese learners.
English Pronunciation issues with Katakana Alphabets
Some other examples of Katakana English include ‘terebi‘ for television, ‘aisu-kureem‘ for ice cream, ‘sarada‘ for salad, ‘burashi‘ for brush, ‘Rajio‘ for radio. And most recently, ‘tere-waaku‘ for telework or video conference. Some words or popular phrases make no sense in English, and many foreigners can’t understand the meaning. There are also very funny spoken and written ones, such as ‘Ween‘ for ‘Vienna’” ‘Pasupoto‘ for ‘Passport,’ and “Uirusu” for ‘virus.’
Sociocultural Factors
A. Cultural Emphasis on Modesty and Avoiding Mistakes
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on modesty, harmony, and avoiding mistakes, which can hinder the process of learning a new language.
Language acquisition often involves making errors, taking risks, and seeking clarification. However, perfection which is a part of the Japanese way of thinking makes it as embarrassing or uncomfortable for Japanese learners. This cultural mindset can make it difficult for Japanese people to practice their English-speaking skills openly, as they may be reluctant to make mistakes in front of others.
B. Limited Exposure to Native English Speakers
In Japan, opportunities to interact with native English speakers can be limited, especially outside major cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
This lack of exposure to authentic spoken English can make it difficult for Japanese learners to develop their listening and speaking skills and become familiar with the nuances of natural English conversation.
Additionally, most English teachers in Japan are non-native speakers. And this contributes to the propagation of certain pronunciation and grammar issues, further complicating the process of learning spoken English.
Lack of Necessity and Motivation
A. The Role of English in Daily Life in Japan
In Japan, the use of English in daily life is minimal, as most of the population speaks Japanese. Most signs, media, and official documents are in Japanese. Therefore, people can generally go about their daily routines without encountering English.
This lack of necessity to use English regularly means that Japanese learners may not feel a strong motivation to become fluent in spoken English.
And why should they?
Because they do not often encounter situations where it is required.
B. Limited Opportunities to Practice Speaking English
Outside the classroom, opportunities to practice speaking English can be scarce in Japan. With a predominantly monolingual society and few native English speakers, finding conversation partners or immersive language environments can be challenging.
Without regular practice, it becomes difficult for Japanese learners to develop and maintain their English-speaking skills, which can result in a lack of confidence and fluency. Limited practice opportunities also contribute to decreased motivation to improve, as the perceived benefits of becoming proficient in spoken English may not seem worthwhile.
Teaching Methods and Materials
A. Traditional Teaching Methods
Many English classrooms in Japan still employ traditional teaching methods, such as lecture-style instruction and an emphasis on memorization.
The above approaches often prioritize grammar, reading, and writing skills over speaking and listening, providing limited opportunities for students to engage in interactive, communicative activities. As a result, Japanese learners may struggle to develop the confidence and fluency needed for effective spoken communication in English.
B. Textbook-Focused Learning and Lack of Immersive Experiences
Most English instruction in Japan is textbook-based, which can limit students’ exposure to authentic, conversational English.
Textbooks often contain scripted dialogues and simplified language that do not accurately reflect how native English speakers converse in real-life situations. This can lead to difficulties understanding and participating in natural, unscripted conversations.
Furthermore, the lack of immersive language experiences, such as study abroad programs, language exchanges, or interaction with native speakers, can hinder the development of practical speaking and listening skills, making it more challenging for Japanese learners to become proficient in English.
Psychological Barriers
A. Fear of Making Mistakes and Losing Face
In Japanese society, the concept of “saving face” is deeply ingrained, contributing to a fear of making mistakes or being embarrassed in public. This fear can be a significant psychological barrier for Japanese learners when attempting to practice spoken English.
Often, Japanese people may hesitate to engage in conversations or ask questions, worrying about making mistakes and losing face in front of others. This reluctance to practice can impede the development of their English-speaking skills and make it difficult for them to achieve fluency.
B. The Effect of Societal Pressure on Language Learning
Societal pressure to conform and succeed can also play a role in the psychological barriers faced by Japanese learners of English.
The expectation to perform well academically, particularly on standardized tests and university entrance exams, can create a high-stress environment for students. This pressure may lead them to focus more on achieving high scores in written exams rather than on developing practical speaking skills.
Moreover, this stress can contribute to a negative attitude toward English learning, making it challenging for Japanese students to find the motivation to improve their speaking abilities.
Potential Solutions and Improvements
A. Changes in the Education System
The education system could be reformed to emphasize speaking and listening to address the challenges Japanese learners face in acquiring English-speaking skills. This could involve incorporating more interactive and communicative activities in the classroom, such as role-plays, debates, and group discussions, to encourage students to practice spoken English.
Additionally, teacher training programs could be updated to focus on teaching methods that promote oral communication skills.
B. Encouraging Language Exchange and Study Abroad Programs
Promoting language exchange programs and study abroad opportunities can help expose Japanese learners to authentic English-speaking environments and facilitate immersive language experiences.
By interacting with native English speakers, Japanese learners can develop their listening and speaking skills, become more familiar with the nuances of natural conversation, and gain confidence in their ability to communicate in English.
C. Utilizing Technology and Multimedia Resources
Incorporating technology and multimedia resources into English language education can provide Japanese learners with access to authentic English content and create more engaging learning experiences.
Online platforms, such as language learning apps, video conferencing tools, and social media, can connect Japanese learners with native English speakers and facilitate language exchange opportunities.
Additionally, utilizing movies, TV shows, podcasts, and other multimedia resources can expose learners to various English accents and dialects, helping them develop their listening skills and better understand spoken English.
D. Fostering a Supportive Learning Environment
Creating a supportive learning environment that encourages risk-taking and embraces mistakes as learning opportunities can help Japanese learners overcome psychological barriers associated with speaking English.
Teachers and peers can play a crucial role in fostering a positive atmosphere where learners feel comfortable practicing spoken English, asking questions, and seeking clarification. This supportive environment can help Japanese learners build confidence and improve their English-speaking skills more effectively.
How can Japan Address the Challenges of English Proficiency in Japan?
In summary, Japanese learners face several challenges in acquiring English-speaking skills, including the limitations of the education system, linguistic differences, sociocultural factors, teaching methods, and psychological barriers.
To improve English proficiency in Japan, it is crucial to address these challenges through a combination of education system reforms, increased exposure to native English speakers, utilization of technology and multimedia resources, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
By addressing these issues, Japan can work towards closing the English proficiency gap and better prepare its citizens for the demands of an increasingly globalized world.
Improved English-speaking skills can open doors to enhanced international communication, cooperation, and opportunities for both individuals and the nation. Ultimately, investing in developing English proficiency in Japan is an investment in the country’s future growth and success on the world stage.
How to Communicate with Japanese Who Don’t Speak English Well?
While we discussed the challenges Japanese individuals face in communicating in English, it’s equally important for foreigners to adapt their communication strategies when interacting with Japanese speakers with limited English proficiency. Here are some practical tips to facilitate better understanding and communication:
1. Speak Slowly and Clearly:
When communicating with Japanese individuals who are not fluent in English, it’s crucial to speak slowly and enunciate clearly. This helps them better understand and process what is being said.
2. Simplify Your Language:
Use simple words and short sentences. Avoid idiomatic expressions, slang, and complex grammatical structures that can confuse non-native speakers.
3. Be Patient and Encouraging:
Understand that speaking a foreign language can be daunting. Show patience and encouragement. Nodding, smiling, and using gestures can make the conversation more comfortable and engaging.
4. Adapt to Japanese Pronunciation:
Familiarize yourself with the common English pronunciation challenges for Japanese speakers, such as difficulty distinguishing between ‘L’ and ‘R’ sounds. Adjusting your pronunciation can sometimes make it easier for them to understand.
5. Use Visual Aids:
Carry a notepad and pen for drawing simple illustrations or writing down key words. Many Japanese are more comfortable reading English than speaking it, so this can be a highly effective communication tool.
6. Practice Active Listening:
Pay close attention to what the Japanese speaker is saying. If you don’t understand something, politely ask for clarification instead of pretending to understand.
7. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases:
Showing effort in speaking Japanese, even basic phrases, can go a long way in building rapport and mutual respect. It also demonstrates your willingness to engage in their cultural context.
8. Be Aware of Non-Verbal Cues:
Japanese communication often relies heavily on non-verbal cues. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and gestures, as they can convey as much meaning as words.
9. Encourage Questions:
Let them know it’s okay to ask questions if they don’t understand something. This creates a more open and interactive communication environment.
10. Respect Linguistic and Cultural Differences:
Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles. Japanese speakers may be more indirect or polite in their expressions, so it’s important to be sensitive to these nuances.
Moreover, please respect the fact that while your English may be great, they have a great command over Japanese, while you may not. So, you both are in similar but separate boats. Being great with a language does not make us great; a language is just a tool. It’s being able to communicate that makes the difference.
By implementing these strategies, foreigners can significantly improve their interactions with Japanese individuals who struggle with English, fostering better understanding and stronger relationships.
Himanshu Jain
A long-term ex-pat in Japan, Himanshu comes with an IT background in SAP consulting, IT Business Development, and then running the country operations of an IT consulting multinational. Himanshu is the co-founder and Managing Director of ReachExt K.K. and EJable.com. He is also an Advisory Board Member of a Silicon Valley AI/IoT startup.
