What do you think of native English teachers who never try to learn the local language(s) of the place where they have long lived? People like that are seen very often in Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo. They tend to live in an English bubble. It even seems to me that they unfortunately take advantage of Japanese people being very tolerant to people who cannot speak Japanese. When Japanese people meet an English speaker who cannot speak Japanese, it often tends to be the former who apologize, saying "Sorry, I cannot speak English". It might have been OK in the 19th century, when it was generally believed that Western civilization was far more excellent than all the others. However now we are living in the 21st century, when ideas like cultural relativism or cultural diversity are highly valued. Furthermore, when it comes to teaching a foreign language, isn't it very important to experience themselves how hard it is to learn any foreign language? People who have gone through that sort of difficulties can teach their students with great sympathy. It would uplift and motivate foreign language learners if they hear their teacher saying "I've been there." or "We are all in the same boat." referring to their own experiences trying to learn the local language(s). Please do not misunderstand me. I do not intend to criticize anybody. My point is that it would be nice for native English teachers to try to learn the local language because that would work as a spiritual bridge between teachers and students. Thanks for reading. Hope you have a pleasant day.

What do you think of native English teachers who never try to learn the local language(s) of the place where they have lived for a while[for a long time]? People like that are seen very often in Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo. They tend to live in an English bubble. It even seems to me that they unfortunately take advantage of Japanese people being very tolerant to people who cannot speak Japanese. When Japanese people meet an English speaker who cannot speak Japanese, it often tends to be the former who apologizes, saying "Sorry, I cannot speak English". It might have been OK in the 19th century, when it was generally believed that Western civilization was far more excellent than all the others. However, now we are living in the 21st century, when ideas like cultural relativism or cultural diversity are highly valued. Furthermore, when it comes to teaching a foreign language, isn't it very important to experience themselves how hard it is to learn a foreign language? People who have gone through that sort of difficulty can teach their students with great sympathy. It would uplift and motivate foreign language learners if they hear their teacher saying "I've been there.", or "We are all in the same boat.", referring to their own experiences trying to learn the local language(s). Please do not misunderstand me. I do not intend to criticize anybody. My point is that it would be nice for native English teachers to try to learn the local language because that works as a spiritual bridge between teachers and students. Thanks for reading. Hope you have a pleasant day.