I have two major passions in life. One is English education, and the other is baseball. These two passions cross paths quite often, but never more than in one particular individual: Shigetoshi Hasegawa.

If you do not recognize the name, let me introduce him a little. He was born and raised in Hyogo Prefecture and graduated from Ritsumeikan University several decades ago. After being drafted by the Orix BlueWave (who are now the Buffaloes) and having a successful pitching career in Japan (Rookie of the Year, All-Star), he spent nine years playing Major League Baseball for the Anaheim Angels and Seattle Mariners. Because his name is so difficult for many non-Japanese to pronounce, he was given the nickname “Shiggy” which I will use the rest of this article.

Shiggy actually did not go to the major leagues because of his baseball aspirations. He went there because he had a fascination with America, and wanted to live there and experience the culture. During his time there, he gained proficiency in English, but also deepened his understanding of the national culture. As such, he was able to understand his own culture better, too. In fact, he has written several books about his experiences in America, plus his methods of learning English. I have not read all of Shiggy’s books, but what I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed.

A book called {素晴らしき！メジャーリーガーの人生}. is a collection of the monthly columns he wrote for a Japanese newspaper while he was playing baseball in America. He also has one called {メジャーリーグで覚えた僕の英語勉強法}, and most recently, he put one out called {好かれる英会話}. In fact, last year during the pandemic (and online classes for many of us), he did an exclusive “webinar” for Ritsumeikan students and staff based on this book, which is about how to really enjoy speaking English. The webinar was truly enlightening and helped me see that Shiggy has transcended nationality and culture in his life. He is able to objectively see America for what it is, and the same is true of Japan.

This nation of ours (Japan) has a lot of TV shows that focus on how foreigners view Japan. While I enjoy programs like “YOUは何しに日本へ？” It feels a little superficial at times. It also comes across (to foreigners) as Japan tooting its own horn. The show seems to be declaring, “Look at how awesome the world thinks we are!” Shiggy kind of does the opposite in his writing: how does Japan view America? What I enjoy about Shiggy and his writing is that he does not put his own country OR his adopted country on a pedestal. He promotes understanding and acceptance while encouraging people to learn and love English. Oh, and of course, he loves baseball, too.

I highly recommend that you check out Shiggy’s books and aim to emulate one of your fellow Ritsumeikan graduates.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Quiz

Q1. Which baseball team did Shiggy not play for?

a) Orix BlueWave

b) Orix Buffaloes

c) Anaheim Angels

d) Seattle Mariners

Q2. Why did Shiggy want to play Major League Baseball?

a) He wanted to live in America

b) He wanted to challenge his baseball abilities

c) He wanted to teach Japanese to his teammates

d) He wanted to write books about learning English

Q3. What does the writer of this blog appreciate about Shiggy?

a) He loves Japan so much

b) He loves America so much

c) He can see Japan and America without bias

d) He watches TV shows like YOUは何しに日本へ?

Scroll down for answers

A1. b

A2. a

A3. c

Students often ask me how they can improve their English. My advice is almost always the same: you need to review new vocabulary a lot. Everyone knows this, but it can be difficult to get motivated to actually do it. Research shows a student needs between 3,000 and 5,000 words in order to understand an unsimplified text. Making it more difficult, it takes between 5 and 16 exposures to a word before it can be learned.

So how can you even begin to recycle so many words, that many times? Flashcards are great, and many students already use them, but it can take a long time to make good sets, and they can be lost easily.

Luckily, there is an app for you, and it is free and popular. Some students already know about Quizlet (https://quizlet.com). You can use it on your smartphone or tablet, or play it on your computer through any browser.

To get you started you can find and use any number of word-sets such as TOEIC words, for example. Even better, you can make your own flashcards, or adapt ones that have already been made.

You can choose to have the meaning of the words in English or any language you choose. You can write the definition yourself, or use ones supplied in the app. You can even add pictures to help you remember.

Once you have some flashcards, there are various ways to play. You can do the traditional flashcard way of looking at the definition and trying to recall the word; you can listen to the word and practice your spelling; you can drag and match the meaning to the word, and you can even play a game of Asteroids. Finally, you can also play live games against your friends, which is very motivating and fun.

I have used this app with many students over the past 4 years and it is always very popular, so please do check it out. It is not magic - you will still need to put in the time, but it should make it easier for you to learn new words.

Photo Credit: Pixabay@pexels.com

Quiz

Q1. How many words does a learner need to be able to understand an authentic text?

a)    Between 3,000 and 5,000 words

b)   Between 4,000 and 6,000 words

c)    Between 2,500 and 4,500 words

Q2. How many times do you need to review a word before you can remember it?

a)    Between 12 and 18 times

b)   Between 10 and 20 times

c)    Between 5 and 16 times

Q3. Do you have to make your own flashcards in Quizlet?

a)    You can, but you can also use sets that have been made by other people

b)   You need to buy them online

c)    You can borrow them from a friend or classmate

Scroll down ↓ for the answers

A1. a

A2. c

A3. a

Polyglots are people who have learned many languages. The most famous polyglots can speak over 10 languages. Some of the current famous polyglots are Richard Simcott, Steve Kaufmann, and Luca Lampariello. You can look them up on the internet to find out in detail how they study. They might study a little differently than your teachers have told you, but it is hard to argue with their success. This article will summarize what I found out from researching polyglot language learners.

The first thing to know is there isn’t one way to learn a language. Polyglots used a lot of different methods. Some of the methods they recommended were the opposite of what other polyglots recommended. The lesson here is to research what others recommend, try many different methods, and when you find one that works for you personally, use that method. Despite there being many opinions on the best way to learn languages, there were some main themes that emerged.

Maximize Comprehensible Input

Most polyglots were big fans of the American Linguistics Professor Stephen Krashen. Krashen recommends learners expose themselves to as much of the target language as possible. This input should ideally be just above your level and interesting to you. This includes reading easy books, watching videos, and listening to music. The key is to listen and read as much as you can in your target language. Some people call this the immersion approach. Use the time you have such as when you are traveling to school, doing housework, or winding down at the end of the day.

Review Words, Phrases, and Sentences from the Input

Most polyglots advised reviewing what was learned from the input using a Spaced Repetition System (SRS). This is similar to studying from flashcards, but the software tells you when to study the information again just before you forget it. There are many computer applications you can use but the most famous one is called “Anki”. When a word or phrase repeatedly catches your attention, make a study card, and review it until you can recall it easily.

Practice Speaking and Writing

Although most polyglots advise to focus on listening and reading at the beginning stages of learning a language, speaking and writing can help to reinforce and solidify language already learned. To practice writing, the most obvious example given is to write a diary. For speaking, the most obvious thing to do is to speak to others in the target language. If this is not possible, recording yourself can also be good practice.

Learning a language should be fun if you follow the polyglot language learners’ advice. Immerse yourself in as much interesting content in your target language as you can. Pick out bits you want to learn and review them with a spaced repetition system like Anki. When you have progressed beyond the beginner level, use speaking and writing to reinforce what you have learned through listening and reading.

But most of all, make sure to have fun!

Photo Credit: Skylar Kang@ Pexels.com

Blog Quiz

Q1. What is a "polyglot"?

Q2. What is the first piece of advice from polyglots?

Q3: According to the article, what is the name of the most famous SRS flashcard application?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

A1. A person who speaks many languages well.

A2. Maximize comprehensible input.

A3. Anki.

There are many varieties of the English language. There are the established varieties such as British-English and American-English. In addition, there are numerous new varieties including Indian-English, Malaysian-English, Singaporean-English and so on. In fact, in this age of globalisation, new English varieties are developing all over the world, and even in countries without an historical connection to the language. 

Why are these new varieties developing? The answer is complex, but a key reason is concerned with the functions of language. Language has three main functions: for communication, to express identity and to convey culture. For example, American-English developed primarily so that Americans could express their identity and culture, in contrast to England's. 

This need for people around the world to express identity and culture is a primary driving force for all new varieties of the language. As a further example, research has demonstrated that Indian people tend to prefer speaking English like Indians, and not like Americans or British people. Therefore, Indian-English has developed to express the identity and culture of Indians. 

This brings me to the main point: what variety of English should the Japanese speak? In my opinion, in an ideal situation, the Japanese should speak Japanese-English. This is because it best reflects Japanese identity and culture. However, Japanese-English is a long way from being an established variety, and has a low prestige in the minds of many people. Despite this, I believe it is becoming an identifiable variety with unique characteristics. For example, there are hundreds of words of Japanese origin (reflecting Japanese culture and identity) that have become English, not just in Japanese-English, but all varieties. Some examples include tsunami, anime, sudoku, miso and bonsai. There are also words such as kawaii and shinkansen that may soon become English. 

In addition, there are lots of acronyms and abbreviations, which identity Japanese-English. These include NEET, CA, OL, JAL, JR and GW. Furthermore, there are shortened words such as sando (sandwich), konbini (convenience store), depato (department store) and live house (concert hall) that characterise it. These shortened words are no different than when British or Australian people say footie (football), barbie (barbecue) and uni (university). 

There are also words in Japanese-English that have had a change in meaning, such as handle (steering wheel), mansion (flat/apartment), furonto (hotel reception desk), circle (club/society) and baikingu (all-you-can-eat buffet). 

Finally, another characteristic, which is cultural in origin, is that surnames come before Christian names in Japanese-English. Who says that a Japanese person must state their name in the Anglo-American style when communicating globally to, say, Chinese or Brazilians? Therefore, I believe Japanese students should be encouraged to express their identity and culture through Japanese-English, especially to people who have at least some familiarity with Japan and its culture. 

If you are a Japanese learner of English, please say with confidence that you are a circle member or work at a konbini. You may have to explain what you mean at times, but that is the same for all English speakers to a greater or lesser extent, especially when discussing one's identity and culture. I argue that all people with an active interest in the teaching/learning of English in Japan should enthusiastically promote Japanese English development and use. Remember: just because your English may be different than British or American English, does not necessarily mean it is wrong.  

Photo Credit: Sincerely Media @unsplash.com

Blog Quiz

Q1. Is Japanese-English a well-established variety of the language?

Q2. How many main functions of language are there?

Q3. Is the word 'tsunami' Japanese, English or both?

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

Q1. No, (not yet).

Q2. 3 main functions.

Q3. Both.

Would you like to be able to write faster and more freely in a language you are learning and perhaps in your native language too? Students have often told me that they find writing to be a slow and tedious process, mainly because they worry so much about spelling and grammar rather than just getting their message across on paper. Today, therefore, I would like to introduce the concept of freewriting, an easy writing activity that can be done at home and can make writing practice fun. 

So…what exactly is freewriting? Basically, it involves grabbing a piece of paper and a pen, setting a time limit, choosing a topic of interest to you, and then writing as quickly as possible without stopping and without worrying about spelling or grammar. Let’s go through the steps one by one. 

First, after securing some paper and a writing tool, you will need to set a time limit. Most people I know who practice freewriting set a limit of 10 minutes, although some people write for 15 or 20 minutes. Next, you will need to choose a topic. Many people just choose to write about whatever is in their head at that moment, recent experiences in their lives or specific interests such as sports, books, movies, or music. However, my favorite way to practice freewriting is to link it with video material. This means watching an enjoyable YouTube, movie or TV program and then writing about it. Whatever topic you choose, freewriting is a good way to get facts, memories, and personal feelings down on paper. Last, take a minute of silence to think about what points you would like to write about and then start the timer and write, write, write very fast, without stopping. Just enjoy the process of getting words down on paper rather than on style or grammar. If you always write in the same notebook, it will act as a kind of a personal journal, and you will be able to see your progress.

Freewriting on a regular basis can help to promote writing speed, fluency, creativity, organizational skills, confidence, and overall enjoyment of writing. Although freewriters are not meant to worry about grammar, most of my students find that it naturally improves after several weeks. You can hasten this improvement by, for example, consciously practicing verb tense by writing about a past event one day and a future event another day. You can also focus on new vocabulary by making a short list of perhaps five words that you would like to use that day while writing.     

If you can spare 10 or 15 minutes each day, I highly recommend picking up a pen and trying some freewriting fun!

Photo Credit: Lisa Fotios @pexels.com

Blog Quiz

Q1. According to the blog, what is the second step in the freewriting process?

a. Choosing a topic

b. Writing quickly without stopping

c. Finding a pen and paper

Q2. The word ‘grabbing’ in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to which of the following.

a. To look for

b. To seize suddenly or quickly

c. To write

Q3. According to the blog, what skills can freewriting help to improve? 

a. Confidence, speed and fluency

b. Enjoyment and creativity 

c. Organization, grammar and vocabulary

d. All of the above

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

Q1. a

Q2. b

Q3. d

Natural disasters have struck our country frequently in recent years. A strong typhoon accompanied by extensive rain caused wide-spread flooding; several massive earthquakes occurred in different regions across the country, and the most recent disaster has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Because these disasters occur suddenly, we have to stockpile daily necessities to last for several days at home, and learn how to evacuate according to the local government’s evacuation plan. Although we can prepare for disasters, we do not know what will happen when a disaster occurs. Trustworthy information is essential in order to make correct decisions when experiencing an emergency, particularly in bewildering situations, such as at the beginning of an incident.

Kazuyuki Sato advocated that Yasashii Nihongo（やさしい日本語）should be used to deliver essential information to non-Japanese people living in Japan during the confusion caused by the disaster. Kazuyuki Sato was inspired to develop a simple version of the Japanese language when a large earthquake struck the Hanshin area and Awajishima Island in 1995. At that time, essential information for foreigners during a disaster was supposed to be translated; however, local governments were not able to translate the information quickly because the earthquake also impacted government agencies. Therefore, Yasashii Nihongo was used temporarily to deliver essential information immediately after disasters because the common language in Japan is Japanese. Once the situation had calmed down, local governments intended to translate detailed information into foreign languages.

Yasashii Nihongo is currently in general use by local governments and communities. If one accesses Osaka prefecture’s special website explaining COVID-19 and governmental support, one will find a link to the same information in Yasashii Nihongo. As the information is essential in an emergency, it may be helpful for foreign residents who do not have perfect understanding of Japanese.

According to the Ikuno Ward in Osaka City, which encourages the use of Yasashii Nihongo, six aspects are necessary in order to convert standard Japanese into simple Japanese. These are:

1. Speak slowly.

2. Divide long sentences into shorter sentences.

3. Use basic vocabulary.

4. Avoid using words that originated in foreign languages.

5. Use examples.

6. Avoid the use of regional dialects.

Yasashii Nihongo is also used in everyday settings. The conversion process does not seem to be particularly difficult for native Japanese speakers. The number of non-Japanese people living in Japan is increasing, and many of them learn Japanese as a foreign language. At the beginning of their lives in Japan, Yasashii Nihongo may help them to understand and communicate with local residents. This will constitute an internal contribution to globalisation.

Ikuno Ward Office, Osaka City. 生野区「やさしい日本語から、つながろう」. 2020/05/27 Updated. 2020/06/10 accessed

Photo Credit: Lisa Fotios@pexels.com

Blog Quiz

1. In paragraph 1, what does ‘stockpile’ mean?

A.   To put things in a pile.

B.    To make a shopping list.

C.    To make a collection of things you need.

2. What is the purpose of Yasashii Nihongo?

A.    To encourage non-Japanese residents to learn Japanese.

B.    To assist communication between Japanese and non-Japanese people.

C.    To make websites to teach Japanese.

3. Which of these are examples of Yasashii Nihongo?

A.    Speaking slowly with a standard Japanese accent.

B.    Using short sentences and simple words.

C.    Giving examples and avoiding katakana words.

D.    All of the above.

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

1. C

2. B

3. D

Do you like playing musical instruments? I do. I used to play the piano when I was little although I was not a good player. I also tried playing the guitar in college when I enjoyed listening to Avril Lavigine. I wanted to sing while playing the guitar like her. However, it was so difficult to press guitar strings with my little hands. So, I have given up the guitar and just enjoyed singing at karaoke.

Recently, however, I have started playing a new musical instrument, the ukulele. Unlike the guitar, the ukulele is smaller, cheaper and has fewer strings. This time, I felt like I could play some chords. At first, I tried to learn how to play the ukulele by reading a practice book for beginners. On the first day, I was already able to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” On the second day, I was able to play “Happy Birthday to You.” Wow. I was impressed. On the third day, I was bored. These are adorable and nice songs. What was wrong with me? I simply did not enjoy singing the songs.

I changed my approach to practicing the ukulele, and this new way worked well for me. I used Youtube videos. Visual demonstrations and step-by-step instructions were much more helpful for me than just following my practice book. I can even use Youtube videos to tune my ukulele! What attracted me more was that Youtube provides many videos for learning how to play famous pop music. At first, I hesitated to practice those tunes, remembering my failure in playing the guitar, but I tried. It was free anyway.

I practiced playing “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. It sounds difficult, doesn’t it? Relax. The video I used was for beginners. For a week or so, my clumsy fingers were a lot slower than my singing, which annoyed me a little, but I was very pleased and satisfied when my fingers caught up with my singing speed. It felt so good. After all, I was able to sing while playing an instrument. Of course, I cannot play the ukulele as professionally as Jake Shimabukuro or Grace Vanderwaal, but I am quite satisfied.

What’s better, I got another benefit from practicing the ukulele on Youtube. I learned some new English words and expressions because I kept watching the same video in English and singing the same song over and over again. You may be able to pick up vocabulary in a foreign language as a by-product of practicing a musical instrument. The approach is extremely simple. Watch Youtube and practice. You may be able to kill two birds with one stone.

Photo Credit: Pixabay@pexels.com

Blog Quiz

1. How did the author practice playing the ukulele?

A.   She used a practice book.

B.    She used Youtube videos.

C.    She used a practice book and Youtube videos.

D.  She used songs played by Jake Shimabukuro and Grace Vanderwaal.

2. What does the passage indicate about Jake Shimabukuro and Grace Vanderwaal?

A.  They are professional guitarists.

B.   They are professional singers.

C.    They play the ukulele as skillfully as the author.

D.  They play the ukulele very well.

3. What are the “two birds” in this passage?

A.  the ukulele and English skills

B.    the ukulele and guitar skills

C.    the ukulele and Youtube

D.  the ukulele and karaoke

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

1. C

2. D

3. A

Who does not like a good movie?

“How do you watch movies?” That would have been a silly question 40 years ago. Of course, you go to the movie theater, buy popcorn, and sit down with other moviegoers to enjoy a film as a crowd. With the advent of the Laserdisc and the VHS (and Beta) videotape, people could enjoy a movie of their choice in the comfort of their home. From there, starting in the 1990s, more digital media appeared and the DVD dominated the market for years.

Then came Netflix. Netflix started as being an online rental provider, where customers went to Netflix’s online site and ordered DVDs that were mailed to the customers. As customers received DVDs in the mail, they returned the movies they finished watching and Netflix would send the next disc on their queue. From about five years ago, the business model has changed to the online streaming of movies. Now customers can watch movies anywhere, on a number of devices.

Many people prefer the convenience of watching any movie on demand. I prefer going to a rental shop and bringing home a physical disc and watching it instead of some streaming service. I feel the benefits of the ‘brick and mortar store’ (meaning physically there as opposed to all online) outweigh the inconveniences of the trip there and possible late fees if you do not return the disc in time.

I enjoy browsing the many videos of the store. There are many movies that I do not know about and I would never meet if those gems did not catch my eye while I was strolling down the aisles. I can talk to the staff and hear what they recommend or what is the latest movie news. Most importantly for me is the picture quality is better than what is sent over the internet. For people who consider themselves cinephiles (devoted movie watchers or knowledgeable about the cinema), they may enjoy the bonus content that is on the disc or the better sound played from the disc media.

Unfortunately, most consumers do not share my love for the rental experience.

According to the Digital Entertainment group, starting from three years ago, 2017 saw a significant drop in all forms of consumer spending on physical media. Income from subscription streaming services like Netflix or Hulu has almost doubled DVD/Blu-ray sales.

However, if you are thinking about improving your English, using a streaming service will help you to improve your listening skills at an attainable price. I do not want to change sides in my argument, but this is a blog, not an academic paper.

The more you practice something, the better you will be at it. The more you practice listening to English with the programs you enjoy, the more you will be able to recognize the nuances of English speakers. You will hear how speakers use ‘connected speech’ or speak quickly and smash words together. (for example, ‘wanna’ instead of saying ‘want to’) The more you meet speakers (characters in the show/movie) speaking that way, along with different accents and speaking with different emotions and situations, you will become a better listener. Not only that, as you become a better listener, please try to watch the show again with English subtitles. That could help reinforce your listening comprehension and may increase your reading speed.

I hope you will be able to enjoy English with your next movie or TV show streamed to your home or after you go to your local video rental shop. After that, come to the BBP and share with the staff your movie experience and which movies you recommend.

Photo Credit: JESHOOTS.com@pexels.com

Blog Quiz

1. What was NETFLIX's first way of business?

A.   Selling movies from stores

B.    Sending movies in the mail

C.    Online streaming of movies

2. What is one benefit of going to a store to rent a movie?

A.  There are late fees.

B.   We can see movies that we did not know about before.

C.    You need a DVD player to watch movies.

3. What are some benefits of watching English movies/shows?

A.  You can practice listening to different types of speakers/accents.

B.    You can practice speed reading using English sub-titles.

C.    You can practice speaking with the BBP staff about the movie/show.

D.  All of the above.

Scroll down ↓ for the answers to the quiz.

Quiz Answers

1. B

2. B

3. D