English for ESL Students in Japan II - By: Tom Aaron

This article, our second article on English for ESL Students in Japan, presents three topics: connecting words in translation, the responsibility of the writer in English, and the changing American family.

1. Connecting words in translation

The vast majority of our writing experience concerns Japanese to English translations, and this section addresses connecting words in English and Japanese writing. Both Japanese and English writing use connecting words, but such connectors are used differently. Japanese tends to use many words at the beginning of sentences, which get translated into connecting words or phrases in English. These include but, therefore, in addition, furthermore, and moreover. English uses words such as 'and,' 'but,' and 'because' in the middle of sentences. In formal English, writers generally do not use 'and' or 'but' to start sentences.

The following paragraph is an example that a Japanese native speaker might write in English:

First connect wire A to wire B. After connecting these two wires, plug in the cord. Next, turn the power on. In addition, make sure that the red light is flashing. Furthermore, the device should be at least 15 cm from the wall. Finally, turn the power off.

English usually does not use connectors at the beginning of sentences. If a native speaker had written the above paragraph, the text would look something like this:

First connect wire A to wire B, and plug in the cord. Turn the power on, and make sure that the red light is flashing. Check that the device is at least 15 cm from the wall. After that, turn the power off.

When sentences follow each other logically, we do not need that many connecting words at the beginning of the sentences. Words are connected by a kind of logic generally called coherence, not by introductory words or phrases. Please take a look at some English writing and notice the connecting words. This will help you to develop your own sense of how to connect sentences in English.

2. The responsibility of the writer in English

Many translation companies in Japan emphasize English to Japanese translation because translating into your native language is easier, and most of the translators in Japan are Japanese. Some companies also emphasize English to Japanese translation because English writing is often easier to understand than Japanese writing. Why is this? Japanese can be clearly and precisely written. Pick up the Asahi Newspaper, and notice that it is clear and well written.

Much Japanese writing is difficult to understand. Sentences can get very long, and writers can be extremely vague. Generally, English writing is clearer because writers begin with the idea that their responsibility is to make their writing understandable. We are taught from elementary school that we need to write so our readers are able to understand what we have written. The writer is responsible for writing clearly, so readers will be able to understand. Readers are not responsible for deciphering long, unclear sentences or vague thoughts.

When you translate vague Japanese sentences into English, remember that such vagueness is not standard in English writing. Try to get your client to explain what the meaning is. Then, put the meaning into clear and understandable English.

3. The changing American family

Leave It To Beaver was a frequently watched American television program in the 1960s. The suburban family consisted of a mom, dad, and two boys. The mother stayed at home with the children while the father left each morning for work. America was like this for some families, but definitely not for everyone. Many women worked. Not everyone could afford to live in the suburbs. All male workers did not earn enough to support families. Not everyone got married. America had families with single mothers and families where the grandparents were raising the children. America also had single people, gay people, and people of color, but rarely were they seen on programs such as Leave It To Beaver.

The United States of America has significantly changed since the days of Leave It To Beaver. Most Americans realize that there are different kinds of families. Not all families are white with a stay-at-home mother, a working father, and two children. Some families have two gay parents. Other families have single mothers or single fathers. There are interracial families and other kinds of families. More Americans are accepting of other ways of living, and more Americans with other ways of living are more open about their life patterns. You can see a diversity of families in movies and TV shows as well as in books. There are still problems with some people who have trouble accepting everyone, but we have come a long way since the days of Leave It To Beaver.

About the Author

Aaron Language Services provides English services for Japan including coaching students to improve their writing. We also offer many resources for ESL students and teachers including our English composition assignments, which you can find at http://www.aaronlanguage.com/composition_assignments_main_page.htm

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