Adventures of Peach

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Email Exam;about Kyoto

Today I started working on a text book to take an English examination in June. The exam has a free writing part.
It's pretty interesting: Read an email from your friend "Chris" from overseas, then write appropriate response to him and it should be around 100 words in lenght.


Let's see the question email.
"Dear Naomi (please imagine you're Naomi),
I'm so excited because in a week I'll be in Japan, so please be sure to meet me at the airport, ok?
I'm also interested in Kyoto. Can I see real Samurai or Ninja there? Can you tell me something about Kyoto, please?
Best wishes, Chris" ....I like Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional:P


I gave it a try but I think my email was too casual, so I need a training to get enough points from markers.

Actually, Kyoto is worth visiting.
Kyoto used to be a capital of Japan. It has a lot of shrines, temples and old buildings, so you can experience the traditional atmosphere of Japan there.

I think I've visited there 6 or 7 times or so. It's still an amazing place for me.

As you know, there are no more Samurai and Ninja now but if you are lucky, you might see real Geisya on their ways to work, or some actors playing Samurai/ Ninja in a famous movie studio.

Well, I have to get back to work...it's not a real work. I'm arraging my ipod music list using an Excel file. I've discovered it this morning.
Ohhhh, it's very convenient!

posted by Peach at 2:03 AM

18 Comments:

  • Hello Chris,

    I can't wait to show you around Japan, I'm sure we're going to have such a great time. And don't worry, I'll be waiting for you at the airport as arranged.

    I don't think it would be very safe to meet a real Samurai or Ninja, so it's just as well they are no longer around. You will be able to get a flavour of old Japan when we visit some of the famous sites around Kyoto, though. Take a look at this website - Kyoto Sightseeing Guide - and let me know what sounds interesting. We only have a short time, so pick wisely!

    Have a safe flight, and see you next week.

    Alex.
    * * * *

    Well, that's what I would write. How does it compare to yours?

    By Blogger Alex, at May 03, 2006 6:38 PM  

  • That's an interesting mail!

    Maybe foreigners don't think there are still Ninjya or Samurai in Japan. In my last English class, I saw a video about how NY people imagine about Japan. I thought people say kimono or Samurai like something old Japanese style BUT most people said Japan is a techonological country! When I saw it, I was very surprised at the fact. And, one woman said a very interesting thing. She said "I think Japanese live in small houses so people pile up in the houses." Huh? I laughed at her answer.

    By Blogger erika, at May 03, 2006 9:04 PM  

  • Alex,
    Hahahahahaha!
    Nice!

    Chris will definitely be happy to get this email!
    I hope I can improve my writing skills to make serious exam markers smile with my sense of humor.

    Thanks for the model.
    I'll keep it up!

    Erika,
    Sounds interesting. In your class, you study not only languages, right?
    Your comment has reminded me of NHK language programs.
    They show also cultural things, trends, recent social problems.
    Especially, the Spanish one got me interested. It shows many people speak Spanish in North America. I mean Los Angeres, New York etc. I thought Spanish was the language spoken in Spain and South America.
    The more study(actually watch TV), the more I know...
    Thanks for the information. Please tell me if you get any other Erika's hottest news:D

    By Blogger Peach, at May 03, 2006 9:23 PM  

  • Erika, I don't think anyone really expects to find Samurai, Ninja, Geisha and so on, when they come to Japan. But I believe most westerners have a fairly stereotypical view of Japanese life.

    As you said, high technology and tiny houses top the list of the general impression of Japan, but also there is a feeling that Japanese people are unexpressive and prepared to endure things that people from other countries would never tolerate. The most obvious example is the way people ride the rain during the rush hour.

    Unfortunately, most British people's understanding of Japanese people has been wildly distorted by two classic TV programs: Endurance and Takeshi's Castle. They have both been given a lot of exposure and are now very famous in the UK.

    I think it's also fair to say that many people are confused by the difference between Japan and China. When I told my UK landlord I was moving to Tokyo, he thought it was in Hong Kong! Hard to believe, isn't it?

    By Blogger Alex, at May 03, 2006 10:34 PM  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger erika, at May 04, 2006 12:39 AM  

  • Alex>Yes, maybe some people have stereotypes of Japan.
    My Canadian teacher told us such an interesting thing.
    When he went to Kyoto, there was a festival and most women were wearing kimono. Then, he took a picture of the women and showed his friend in Canada. He said "Wow, beautiful! Actually, Japanese always wear kimono." And then, my teacher said "Um, yes, sometimes."
    Like this, it's sure some people have stereotypes. I laughed at the story, haha.

    Wow, you can see Takeshi's Castle!? I think British people don't like to see comedians are hit. I heard that only Japanese comedians are hit. My Australian teacher said Japanese comedy is not funny because they hit other people.

    Huh? Why did he mistake China and Japan!? It's completely different country.
    Sadly, when I went to NZ, some students asked me whether Japanese eat dogs... Huh? No no! We don't eat! I wonderd why they are confused...

    By Blogger erika, at May 04, 2006 12:41 AM  

  • I think it's difficult question how to see Ninjya and Samurai. I'd lived in Kyoto for six years, but I'd never seen them. I'd like to check out the official answer to this email exam.

    By the way, your article remainds me that I have to study for the Eiken test, thanks....

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at May 04, 2006 12:45 AM  

  • Peach> Yes, now I'm learning about Japanese mind in my English class. This class is soo difficult for me because I have to consider about Japanese mind. Besides, we have to listen to English and speak our opinion in English. For this class, we use an intersting book,"Japanese Mind". Please check out this book! I really recommned you to read because this book is very interesting! This book was written by Japanese univ students in Ehime(maybe).
    So far I read the story about "Aimai". Japanese often use aimai words like ちょっと or まぁまぁ. When we use ちょっと to foreigners, maybe they can't understand the meaning of ちょっと. Like these words, Japanese tend to say or do aimai. That's very interesting, isn't it? I've never considred it until reading this book.

    By Blogger erika, at May 04, 2006 12:59 AM  

  • Chocobo> Although my Canadian teacher have lived in China for a year, he didn't say Chinese tend to be ambiguity. Asisan people tend to be ambiguity? I think Japanese people really tend to use ambiguous words.
    How about Canadian? My teacher said they sepak directly and don't conceal their real idea or thought. I think most Western people are like that.

    By Blogger erika, at May 04, 2006 8:54 AM  

  • It seems to be true western people tend to do or say directly.
    That's very interesting example! I thought "aimai" is only for Japanese. But I know it's not only Japanese but also Chinese or Taiwanese and even westerners.

    As for Japanese girls, some girls don't want to throw out of the group so they try to identify everything with their friends. As a result, they use a lot of aimai words and can't say their real opinion or thought. I think this is not only Japanese girls but also all Japanese tend to care "GROUP". Careing group makes japanese use a lot of aimai words. Maybe it's related to old Japanese history. You know, Japan is an island so people had to help each other to live and they really cared about their "group". There are a lot of factors that Japanese tend to be aimai.

    This definition is really difficult to explain￤-) But it's very interesting for me to know my country and compare with other countries!

    By Blogger erika, at May 04, 2006 2:01 PM  

  • Chocobo,
    Thanks for the interesting information.

    I learnd
    一点儿(yi dianr), 一会儿(yi huir)
    and 看看 things; repeat same verbs. My teachers told me it's similar to "chotto(a little)".
    Is it right?

    By Blogger Peach, at May 04, 2006 3:20 PM  

  • I think some good points have been made here. I just wanted to add that since coming to Japan I've learnt you can't make generalizations about a nation's people; you can only respect every person you meet as an individual. In the UK there are people who speak their minds and people who like to imply what they are thinking.

    If everyone was direct we wouldn't have expressions like - read between the lines; tact & tactful; and beat around the bush. And if everyone hated laughing at people who get hurt we wouldn't say - black humour or slapstick (both also used in Japanese I believe).

    The world is a rich and interesting place full of rich and interesting people. In my humble opinion.

    By Blogger Alex, at May 04, 2006 4:07 PM  

  • Alex,
    Hong Kong.....a little different.
    My mom and I don't like Takeshi's Castle and painful shows.
    I had no idea that British people watch that kind of shows.
    Hayao Miyazaki is much nicer, I think.

    Tary,
    The model answer was like "As for Samurai, there are no more in present-day Japan. But, if you are lucky, you might see a movie star playing the part of Samurai at the famous movie studio there."
    Ninja and Geishya was my option:P

    Yes, I meant Eiken exam.
    Are you going to take Eiken?

    Erika,
    I think, in my opinion...Osaka people are not typical Japanese. They are talkative, friendly and speak directly.

    Before I went to my English school, I had the same opinion: people in Japan speak unclearly, on the other hand peaople in western countries speak directly.
    But some teachers taught me I might be wrong. In communication, we sometimes need to speak softly not to make friends feel uncomfortable.
    My first mission at the school was try to speak softly using the following cushion words.
    chotto=a little
    amari..nai= not so much

    Of course, I always like Osakan "talkative" style:D

    By Blogger Peach, at May 04, 2006 4:08 PM  

  • Yes, right. Maybe I take the test next time. First of all, I have to complete my application. Of course I also have to start studying...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at May 04, 2006 11:59 PM  

  • Hello again, Chocobo. No no no, I'm not offended at all! Actually, I think it's important to listen to and understand as many generalizations as possible. The reason they exist is because they are, usually, based on some element of truth. I was trying to say that it's important not to become trapped by fixed ideas and end up narrow-minded about different groups of people. If I remember correctly from the last time I played Final Fantasy, even chocobo's have unique personalities!

    Anyway, I agree with what you've said, especially your example of two girls talking in English. I know many people who talk exactly like that.

    By Blogger Alex, at May 05, 2006 11:40 PM  

  • I didn't know that Chocobo was from a video game.
    I was confused Chocobo with Kyoro-chan which was my favorit chocolate"Choco Ball" character.

    By Blogger Peach, at May 06, 2006 11:32 PM  

  • With Excel? xD strange hahahaha

    We have the image that you are crazy and very technolized, really.
    I'll have to see it with my own eyes, so say something about it.

    By Blogger スロ / Bernat, at May 09, 2006 7:14 AM  

  • Chocobo,
    Of course, I love Osamu Tezuka.
    He is still a legend for manga writers and fans.
    "Astro Boy" isn't my type, but "Black Jack" is one of his best. Did you read it in English?
    My favorite one is "七色いんこ/Nanairo Inko(Seven-colored Parakeet)". If possible, please check it out!

    Bernat,
    Excel idea wasn't that good.
    Maybe you've already know the reason. If you haven't tried it, please don't do that.

    By Blogger Peach, at May 10, 2006 12:11 PM  

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