Hello guys, I am looking for a partner for practice my Japanese language.
So, I found many people on italki.
But, our conversation is about introducing each other.
After that, if I not start to talk to them (or text them first).
They will never start to talk with me or text me first.
Why?????
Why I say JAPANESE???
Because, the other friend from Mexico, Spain, Poland, China, etc always talk to me first or just say hello (greeting).
If they don't talk with me. I will text them first. And we have long conversation.
1.) MAYBE THEY ARE BUSY?
2.) MAYBE THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND ENGLISH WELL?
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BUSY??? I think not like that. WHY?
Because, there are Japanese who can online everyday , everyminute. But, when I talk or text them. They just read. Or maybe respond but very short.
Ex:
ME : Konnichiwa. Ogenki desu ka?
HIM : Konnichiwa. Genki desu.
ME : Hiru gohan o tabemasu ka?
HIM : Watashi wa mou tabemasu.
Just like that. No ask and no talk anymore. Always~ >_<
If I not start the conversation. And then we will never talk.
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DON'T UNDERSTAND ENGLISH WELL??
I don't think so!!
There are so many Japanese who can talk English fluently. There are so many Japanese who live outboard. And their English is good more than me. SO WHY...???
(T^T)~
I am so sorry. I don't want to blame Japanese person.
I just wanna ask, what's wrong with me?
Why, all of you can't talk more with me? I just wanna learn Japanese language.
Once again, I am so sorry for write this discussion. I just want to know the reason. WHY????
Thank you ^^
I find it very hard to read Konnichiwa instead of こんにちは。
Maybe you'd better use the Japanese words.
For some reasons, Japanese may be kind of introvert, from a stranger's view. Just my opinion.
I'm learning English. Maybe we could talk a little bit, although I'm not a native Japanese. でも、日常の会話は大丈夫かな～
After living and teaching in Japan for several years, I've come to understand that it's a cultural thing.
In school, it is common to not speak up and there is hardly ever free-talking time to discuss factual topics. It's usual just the teacher lecturing the students. And debate is even less common, since questioning whatever the teacher says is out of the question. Also it's good to note that expressing different opinions is considered to be bad manners since it disrupts the sense of harmony.
After saying this, I must also point out that it is a generalization and isn't true with everyone. I've heard people in Osaka are much more open and have a better sense of humor than people in other regions. And once people become better friends and feel comfortable enough with each other, of course they open up more in their conversations.
But anyway, yeah, the typical Japanese person would wait for others to speak up first.
It could be shyness or lack of confidence in English. But it could also be an act of consideration for others. Japanese people are extremely considerate and observant as to the situation of others around them. Bothering others is bad manners.Being the center of the conversation may be considered as bad manners as well. I'm no expert, but this has been my observation from living in Tokyo.
It's both good and bad depending on how extreme the behavior is practiced.
Now what can you do about it...
Think like an English conversation teacher! LOL
Make it a speaking challenge. Tell them it's a speaking challenge or a communication skill up game.
Give them a topic and instruct them to ask you questions.
We are usually a bit shy with people we've never talked to. (Of course, not everybody is like that.) So, maybe, you need some time. Plus, most people aren't used to reading Japanese words written in Latin alphabet. So I would recommend using kana. Anyway, I hope you enjoy chatting!
