Essay Excuse me. Is this seat taken? By Kip Cates	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
失礼。ここ、空いてますか？ 日本人学習者が英語を不得意とするのは、「恥ずかしがり屋だから」と考えた筆者は、「見知らぬ人に話し掛け、英語でレポートを書かせる」という課題を25年以上も与え続けている。 果たしてそこからシャイな学生たちは「コミュニケーション」を始められただろうか——答えは"Yes"であった。

When I first began teaching in Japan, I met many students who were good at English but afraid to talk to foreign people. I kept thinking, "What good is it being able to speak English if you're too shy to talk?"

Being able to talk to strangers is a key social skill in our modern world. It's an enjoyable way to meet people, to get information and to make friends. It's also a great way to practice foreign language skills.

English learners are often shy. That's understandable. Many people begin life shy but learn to grow out of it. I know I did. How do you overcome shyness? Easy! By becoming curious about others, by developing confidence, by finding good role models and by lots of practice.

My role model was my father. As a shy kid growing up in Canada, I was amazed at how easily he could speak to anyone — even complete strangers — in restaurants, on airplanes, in parking lots and in movie theaters. I was impressed by how much he enjoyed talking to people and vowed to become like him when I grew up. Later, as a backpacker traveling in Europe, I realized that being able to talk to strangers was vital for meeting local people and learning about their cultures.

The basic tactics for talking to a stranger are easy to learn. First, you have to start a conversation. The most common ways are to talk about the weather (It's hot today, isn't it?), ask a question (Excuse me. What time is it?) or make a request (Excuse me. Is this seat taken?). Next, ask a few follow-up questions to keep things going (So, where are you from? How do you like Japan?). Before you know it, you could be having a great conversation with an interesting person!

When I started teaching at Tottori University, I was determined to help my students acquire this skill. To do this, I give an assignment each year where students have to talk to a stranger, then write an English report about it.

Many students find this homework impacts their lives in interesting ways. Some talk to foreign students and make friends from Asia or Africa. Some chat up the opposite sex and get a boyfriend or girlfriend. Yet others find it can influence their future careers. One student struck up a conversation with a businessman who gave him his card and said, "Get in touch once you graduate. My company needs people like you!"

Over the past 25 years, I've assigned this task to over 5,000 students and have watched them grow as confident communicators. So, don't be shy! We live in a world where strangers are potential friends and conversations can change lives. Talk to a stranger today! By the way, is this seat taken?

Shukan ST: September 2, 2011

(C) All rights reserved