{"id":439,"date":"2024-07-07T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-07T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nicksenglish.com\/blog\/?p=439"},"modified":"2024-07-07T15:52:28","modified_gmt":"2024-07-07T06:52:28","slug":"english-tea-time-22-real-world-language","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nicksenglish.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/07\/english-tea-time-22-real-world-language\/","title":{"rendered":"English Tea Time #22 – Real-World Language"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hello there! In this week’s newsletter, I’d like to talk about learning real English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missing Motivation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I gave up learning Japanese a long time ago. My excuse<\/em><\/strong> (reason) was that I already knew enough for daily living. The thing is<\/em><\/strong> (actually), my daily life in Japan doesn’t need much Japanese – I work at home and I teach English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding Motivation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When my brother came to visit me, followed by an old school friend, I was able to get out of the house and actually use<\/em> Japanese. I realized that I have a LOT to learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Communicating with the locals \ud83d\ude00<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real-World Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I could do more Duolingo lessons, work through a textbook, or even watch more Netflix in Japanese, but the absolute<\/em><\/strong> (100%) best way to learn a language is to live it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I need is a job, a real job, working in an environment that will push me to learn essential <\/em><\/strong>(necessary) Japanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So next week, I’m going to go to the local job centre to find some part-time work. Anything will do. I don’t mind washing dishes in a kitchen, or making beds in a hotel. Anything that immerses<\/em><\/strong> (covers) me in the language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about English?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the biggest challenge for English learners not living in an English-speaking country is finding people to talk in English with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is certainly a problem. Here are 10 part-time job suggestions from ChatGPT:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retail Assistant in Tourist Areas<\/strong>: Basic conversational skills are often sufficient to assist customers and handle transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waitstaff at International Restaurants<\/strong>: Basic to intermediate English is usually needed to take orders and communicate with customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barista in Coffee Shops Frequented by Expats<\/strong>: Basic to intermediate English proficiency can suffice for taking orders and casual conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tour Guide<\/strong>: Intermediate English skills are necessary to explain attractions and engage with tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Receptionist<\/strong>: Intermediate to upper-intermediate English is needed to handle check-ins, answer questions, and resolve guest issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working at International Events<\/strong>: Intermediate to upper-intermediate English proficiency is required to assist and guide international visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teaching Assistant in English Schools<\/strong>: Upper-intermediate English is usually needed to support teachers and interact with students in an educational setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call Centre Agent for International Companies<\/strong>: Upper-intermediate to advanced English skills are necessary for handling customer inquiries and providing support over the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer Service Representative for International Companies<\/strong>: Upper-intermediate to advanced English is required to communicate effectively with English-speaking clients and customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Translator or Interpreter<\/strong>: Advanced English proficiency is essential for accurately translating and interpreting between languages in a professional context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In my case, getting a part-time job is more than just a chance to improve my Japanese. I hope to integrate (fit) into Japanese society, become more familiar with workplace customs and gain experience that will help me when I apply for Japanese citizenship in the future. I might even make some new friends! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

British English<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some common phrases that are used to describe surrounding yourself in English:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Throwing yourself in at the deep end<\/strong>: Jumping fully into learning English without much prior preparation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Diving headfirst into English<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Submerged in the language<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Total immersion<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Living and breathing English<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Full-on language experience<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice the “water” theme? The deep-end<\/em> of a swimming pool, diving<\/em>, submerged<\/em><\/strong> (underwater). Just be careful not to drown! \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    New Worksheets and Videos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Before I finish my cup of tea, I want to show you what I’ve made since the last newsletter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Videos:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n