SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 13
Download to read offline
‘English is expected in
               today’s business scene’
On April 2, NHK’s “Close-Up Gendai” covered the fact that Japanese businesspeople at all levels need to communicate in English in their
everyday lives, now more than ever. Now, to learn just about anything, sometimes it helps to have a great model to follow.



                                                                                                                                          1
Well, one of the best English communicators these days, oddly enough, is someone I learn from myself: US President Barack Obama.



                                                                                                                                   2
TOKYO (Reuters) - President-elect Barack
                                                                      Obama's speeches are proving a best-seller in
                                                                      Japan -- as an aid to learning English.

                                                                      An English-language textbook, quot;The
                                                                      Speeches of Barack Obama,quot; has sold
                                                                      more than 400,000 copies in two
                                                                      months, a big hit in a country where
                                                                      few hit novels sell more than a million
                                                                      copies a year.

                                                                      Japanese have a fervor for learning English and
                                                                      many bookstores have a corner dedicated to
                                                                      dozens of journals in the language, many of them
                                                                      now featuring the new U.S. leader's face.

                                                                      quot;Speeches by presidents and presidential
                                                                      candidates are excellent as listening tools to
                                                                      learn English, because their contents are good
                                                                      and their words are easy to catch,quot; said Yuzo
                                                                      Yamamoto of Asahi Press, which produced the
                                                                      best-selling text book.

When I worked for the Obama campaign last year, and when he won
the presidency, my Japanese friends told me that, even when they
don’t understand exactly what he’s saying, the way he speaks gives
them a sense of optimism. A sense, dare I say it, of hope. Many
friends have told me that they wish they could be as persuasive and
inspiring.


                                                                                                                       3
Of course, they’re not the only ones :-)


                                           4
1. The Weekly Address: Subtitled Onsite                                                                                                Free




     2. Functional English Workshop: Webcast                                                                                                 Paid




So, with these folks in mind, in April, our little company created Eigobama.com, where Japanese intermediate learners can learn functional
English keywords and phrases from his speeches…and much more…




                                                                                                                                                    5
Functional
                   English

   Persuade                         Disagree
    Inform                      Show generosity
    Excite                          Describe
   Caution                         Tell a story
   Befriend                      Be humorous
      Ask                        Be optimistic
 Be accessible                    Be confident
  Show pride                   Project authority
Explain benefits                 Project warmth
     Agree                     Project modernity

                                                   6
The Weekly Address, subtitled




President Obama is very skilled at crafting his speeches to accomplish specific tasks – that is the language he uses performs a specific function. With
this in mind, we define Functional English as language for a purpose: to persuade, to inform, to excite, and so on. On the site, we’ve subtitled the
Weekly address in Japanese and English. The President improvises while he’s speaking, and our titles reflect that.




                                                                                                                                                   7
Now, what you see here is not an even taller Barack Obama.:-)
The English text on the bottom comes from the captioned version on the White House YouTube Channel. At the next level, you'll see the Eigobama
English titles, which are optimized for English learners: they match the timing of what the President is saying. Then, on top, you see the Eigobama
Japanese subtitles. We try to match his actual speech where possible, rather than recreating the traditional Japanese sentence structure. And, we
enhance the audio, to make the listening experience even better.




                                                                                                                                                      8
We do all of this to help Intermediate learners experience the language in a more effective, realistic way. All of this material is available for free on
Eigobama.com.


                                                                                                                                                            9
And we’re working on developing a new feature: Webcast Workshops. We’ll explore 2-3 Functional English keywords or phrases from a recent
speech. Then we’ll have some gentle free form Q&A around the theme, giving you the chance to talk about current events in real time.




                                                                                                                                           10
Eventually, we’ll take the concept offline as well with the Eigobama Town Hall, which we plan to launch in September.



                                                                                                                        11
brought to you by:                                                      many thanks to:




                  www.modernmediajapan.com



If you’re interested in checking us out, the site is Eigobama.com, our Twittername is eigobama as well. Thank you for your time.



                                                                                                                                   12
13

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...Subham Panja
 
ICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdf
ICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdfICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdf
ICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdfVanessa Camilleri
 
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptxmary850239
 
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Stud
LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced StudLEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Stud
LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced StudDr. Bruce A. Johnson
 
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptxBBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptxProf. Kanchan Kumari
 
Riti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptx
Riti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptxRiti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptx
Riti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptxDhatriParmar
 
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdfPHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdfSumit Tiwari
 
The basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx
3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx
3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptxmary850239
 
EDD8524 The Future of Educational Leader
EDD8524 The Future of Educational LeaderEDD8524 The Future of Educational Leader
EDD8524 The Future of Educational LeaderDr. Bruce A. Johnson
 
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptxiammrhaywood
 
ASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in Pharmacy
ASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in PharmacyASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in Pharmacy
ASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in PharmacySumit Tiwari
 
25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...
25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...
25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptxMetabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptxDr. Santhosh Kumar. N
 
Metabolism of lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptx
Metabolism of  lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptxMetabolism of  lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptx
Metabolism of lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptxDr. Santhosh Kumar. N
 
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargavPOST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargavJitendra Bhargav
 
BBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptx
BBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptxBBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptx
BBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptxProf. Kanchan Kumari
 
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdfThe First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdfdogden2
 

Recently uploaded (20)

THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
 
ICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdf
ICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdfICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdf
ICS2208 Lecture4 Intelligent Interface Agents.pdf
 
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
 
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO ĐƠN VỊ BÀI HỌC - CẢ NĂM - CÓ FILE NGHE (FRIE...
 
LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Stud
LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced StudLEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Stud
LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Stud
 
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptxBBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
 
Riti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptx
Riti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptxRiti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptx
Riti theory by Vamana Indian poetics.pptx
 
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdfPHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
 
The basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 8pptx.pptx
 
3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx
3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx
3.12.24 The Social Construction of Gender.pptx
 
EDD8524 The Future of Educational Leader
EDD8524 The Future of Educational LeaderEDD8524 The Future of Educational Leader
EDD8524 The Future of Educational Leader
 
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
 
ASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in Pharmacy
ASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in PharmacyASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in Pharmacy
ASTRINGENTS.pdf Pharmacognosy chapter 5 diploma in Pharmacy
 
25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...
25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...
25 CHUYÊN ĐỀ ÔN THI TỐT NGHIỆP THPT 2023 – BÀI TẬP PHÁT TRIỂN TỪ ĐỀ MINH HỌA...
 
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptxMetabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
 
Problems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard Deviation
Problems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard DeviationProblems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard Deviation
Problems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard Deviation
 
Metabolism of lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptx
Metabolism of  lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptxMetabolism of  lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptx
Metabolism of lipoproteins & its disorders(Chylomicron & VLDL & LDL).pptx
 
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargavPOST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargav
 
BBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptx
BBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptxBBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptx
BBA 205 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT UNIT I.pptx
 
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdfThe First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
 

Featured

AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsKurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Tessa Mero
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...RachelPearson36
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at WorkGetSmarter
 

Featured (20)

AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
 
Skeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture CodeSkeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture Code
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
 
ChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slidesChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slides
 
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike RoutesMore than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
 

Eigobama.Com Presentation

  • 1. ‘English is expected in today’s business scene’ On April 2, NHK’s “Close-Up Gendai” covered the fact that Japanese businesspeople at all levels need to communicate in English in their everyday lives, now more than ever. Now, to learn just about anything, sometimes it helps to have a great model to follow. 1
  • 2. Well, one of the best English communicators these days, oddly enough, is someone I learn from myself: US President Barack Obama. 2
  • 3. TOKYO (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama's speeches are proving a best-seller in Japan -- as an aid to learning English. An English-language textbook, quot;The Speeches of Barack Obama,quot; has sold more than 400,000 copies in two months, a big hit in a country where few hit novels sell more than a million copies a year. Japanese have a fervor for learning English and many bookstores have a corner dedicated to dozens of journals in the language, many of them now featuring the new U.S. leader's face. quot;Speeches by presidents and presidential candidates are excellent as listening tools to learn English, because their contents are good and their words are easy to catch,quot; said Yuzo Yamamoto of Asahi Press, which produced the best-selling text book. When I worked for the Obama campaign last year, and when he won the presidency, my Japanese friends told me that, even when they don’t understand exactly what he’s saying, the way he speaks gives them a sense of optimism. A sense, dare I say it, of hope. Many friends have told me that they wish they could be as persuasive and inspiring. 3
  • 4. Of course, they’re not the only ones :-) 4
  • 5. 1. The Weekly Address: Subtitled Onsite Free 2. Functional English Workshop: Webcast Paid So, with these folks in mind, in April, our little company created Eigobama.com, where Japanese intermediate learners can learn functional English keywords and phrases from his speeches…and much more… 5
  • 6. Functional English Persuade Disagree Inform Show generosity Excite Describe Caution Tell a story Befriend Be humorous Ask Be optimistic Be accessible Be confident Show pride Project authority Explain benefits Project warmth Agree Project modernity 6
  • 7. The Weekly Address, subtitled President Obama is very skilled at crafting his speeches to accomplish specific tasks – that is the language he uses performs a specific function. With this in mind, we define Functional English as language for a purpose: to persuade, to inform, to excite, and so on. On the site, we’ve subtitled the Weekly address in Japanese and English. The President improvises while he’s speaking, and our titles reflect that. 7
  • 8. Now, what you see here is not an even taller Barack Obama.:-) The English text on the bottom comes from the captioned version on the White House YouTube Channel. At the next level, you'll see the Eigobama English titles, which are optimized for English learners: they match the timing of what the President is saying. Then, on top, you see the Eigobama Japanese subtitles. We try to match his actual speech where possible, rather than recreating the traditional Japanese sentence structure. And, we enhance the audio, to make the listening experience even better. 8
  • 9. We do all of this to help Intermediate learners experience the language in a more effective, realistic way. All of this material is available for free on Eigobama.com. 9
  • 10. And we’re working on developing a new feature: Webcast Workshops. We’ll explore 2-3 Functional English keywords or phrases from a recent speech. Then we’ll have some gentle free form Q&A around the theme, giving you the chance to talk about current events in real time. 10
  • 11. Eventually, we’ll take the concept offline as well with the Eigobama Town Hall, which we plan to launch in September. 11
  • 12. brought to you by: many thanks to: www.modernmediajapan.com If you’re interested in checking us out, the site is Eigobama.com, our Twittername is eigobama as well. Thank you for your time. 12
  • 13. 13