Post by Otaku on Jul 1, 2008 12:18:10 GMT 8
American vs. British English.
First of all, this thread is NOT a my-English-is-better-than-your-English thread. I'm merely trying to figure out the logistics of Japan's English education system.
All Englishes fall under one or a mixture of both of these Englishes. I even think the only country to follow American English rules are Americans.
That being said, Japan's English textbooks strictly adhere to American grammar rules, spellings and word choices. But, they turn around and invite a ton of non-American English speakers from all around the world into the country and tell them to teach American English.
Considering that more countries use British spellings and grammar rules, wouldn't it make more sense to teach British English? Additionally, when it comes to pronunciations, British English, I would dare say, is easier to pick up for Japanese ears. However, I do understand that because of WWII, American English is being taught.
I think it is rude for Japan to invite non-American English speakers into the country and tell them to teach American English. Not only does this make Americans come off looking like staunchy bastards, but it is also not fair for the non-American English speakers to teach pronunciations, grammar points and spellings different from their home country.
I think Japan should do one of 3 things:
1. Stop inviting non-American English speakers into the country to teach English.
2. Change their English system over to British English and stop inviting in American English speakers to teach English.
3. Japan should integrate their English system to accompany both styles of English.
Thoughts/Comments?
First of all, this thread is NOT a my-English-is-better-than-your-English thread. I'm merely trying to figure out the logistics of Japan's English education system.
All Englishes fall under one or a mixture of both of these Englishes. I even think the only country to follow American English rules are Americans.
That being said, Japan's English textbooks strictly adhere to American grammar rules, spellings and word choices. But, they turn around and invite a ton of non-American English speakers from all around the world into the country and tell them to teach American English.
Considering that more countries use British spellings and grammar rules, wouldn't it make more sense to teach British English? Additionally, when it comes to pronunciations, British English, I would dare say, is easier to pick up for Japanese ears. However, I do understand that because of WWII, American English is being taught.
I think it is rude for Japan to invite non-American English speakers into the country and tell them to teach American English. Not only does this make Americans come off looking like staunchy bastards, but it is also not fair for the non-American English speakers to teach pronunciations, grammar points and spellings different from their home country.
I think Japan should do one of 3 things:
1. Stop inviting non-American English speakers into the country to teach English.
2. Change their English system over to British English and stop inviting in American English speakers to teach English.
3. Japan should integrate their English system to accompany both styles of English.
Thoughts/Comments?