Many Japanese people aspire to fluently speak and write English. However, according to the Education First Institute (EFI) report, Japan, with a score of 80, still lags, categorized as having poor proficiency. EF SET score reinforces this evaluation, and, interestingly, this aligns with my observations. A glance at the APAC region reveals a ranking order of Vietnam (60), Indonesia (81), and Thailand (97), mirroring my business experiences and perceptions from 10–15 years ago.
While the detailed analysis and trends are mapped out in the EFI report, it raises a question: Is English proficiency crucial for Japanese people? I argue that although acquiring English skills is commendable and can be advantageous, it isn't obligatory. There exist alternative approaches to learning English, and in the subsequent sections, I'll discuss the benefits of acquiring English proficiency beyond mere foreign communication.
High-Context Culture in Japan
In "The Culture Map," a book I greatly respect by INSEAD professor Erin Meyer, Japanese culture is identified as a high-context culture. High-context cultures often communicate indirectly, with listeners expected to comprehend the context and read between the lines, relying on non-verbal cues and shared cultural, societal norms, and experiences. Contrastingly, low-context cultures, like the United States and Germany, value direct, clear, explicit communication.
Understanding these distinctions is vital in international and multicultural environments to prevent misinterpretations. It’s crucial to consider non-verbal cues and implied meanings with high-context cultures and appreciate straightforward communication with low-context cultures.
The Challenge for Japan
Given its high-context nature, Japan faces an uphill battle in acquiring fluent English communication skills, with English being more suitable for low-context cultures. The intrinsic characteristics of the Japanese language contrast starkly with English, causing notable disadvantages. A classic example is the omission of objects in Japanese, a necessity in English for transitive verbs. Japanese culture allows understanding through non-verbal cues, a stark difference from English that demands objectivity in both spoken and written form.
We, Japanese, possess a unique ability to "read between the lines," deciphering unwritten sentences and a writer's intention, a crucial skill especially when nuances are lost on younger staff. Of course this ability is only applicable in Japanease language.
Navigating the Linguistic Landscape
To navigate these intrinsic challenges, recognizing the distinct language areas in the brain and understanding the mechanics of English are essential. Learning English in Japan is indeed arduous, and arguably, not critically required for those residing solely within Japan.
One might pose the question, "Is it sufficient to rely on AI translators instead of learning English?" The answer is no. AI translators, while advanced, cannot fully grasp the nuances, context, and subtleties of human conversation, especially between high and low-context cultures. They lack the ability to perceive implied meanings and non-verbal cues intrinsic to high-context cultures, like Japan. Furthermore, the reliance on AI translators can impede the cultivation of personal relationships, essential in multicultural interactions.
However, for business professionals, English proficiency is invaluable. It serves as a universal tool, fostering communication and consensus-building with individuals from low-context cultures, and addressing the intricacies that AI translators can't comprehend. English requires conventional steps such as term definition preparation, something an AI translator cannot provide insight into.
While I may never achieve native-level proficiency, refining my English skills remains a priority to maintain logical and clear communication, transcending national boundaries and fostering authentic human connection.
A Personal Journey
To conclude, I reflect on a personal episode highlighting my traditional Japanese upbringing and school life. My mentor, Hiroshi Shimizu-san, a highly-educated individual with numerous accolades, often criticized my explanations, pushing me to clarify my objectives. His straightforward questioning was initially unsettling, yet his guidance was pivotal in honing my English skills. Without his insistence, my commitment to relearning and refining my English skills wouldn’t be as steadfast as it is today.
In essence, while English may not be obligatory for every Japanese individual, its acquisition serves as a bridge, connecting diverse cultures and fostering understanding and collaboration in our increasingly interconnected world.
