Job Discussion Forums

[gaijinalways]

I know the feeling. My sister complains about me cross-switching and speaking too slow, but then again, I thought I always speak slowly (though my students think I speak like a speed freak).

[TK4Lakers]

I've only been here in Japan for a little more than a month, but I already feel like I'm fogetting my English! Sometimes a teacher will ask me a simple question like how do you say "---" in English and it will actually take me awhile to figure it out as I get a little embarrassed. Also, sometimes when I'm speaking, I'll pronounce words with the letter "L" or "R" the Japanese way! Embarrassing...but good to know I'm not alone. I do want to go to grad school back in the states in the near future, hopefully it will come back later.

[angrysoba]

[earthmonkey]

Not only has my English gotten poorer, but now I'm making funny noises too. The other day I was talking to an American friend. She said something interesting and I responded by making this noise.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey with rising intonation.

Anyone else making Japanese noises?

[Apsara]

I "heeeeeeh?" as well and have to consciously remind myself not to do it when I go back to NZ. "Are?" (Pronounced a-reh? for those who haven't been here so long) is becoming pretty unconscious as well these days. I also find myself wondering how to express "natsukashii!" in English...

[PAULH]