Ya gotsta have the tools

[Wes1378]

Here is one that will help a lot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4edt8Fpe4F0

[natsukoy9313]

Thank you very much for the link!
I really love this channel, actually. I registered it

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com

[Wes1378]

なつこさん　ありがとうございます

[natsukoy9313]

どういたしまして！

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com

[Wes1378]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vDZsqaTv3E

[mmmason8967]

This video prompts me to ask about something that I've been wondering about for a while…

I'm British, and in addition to being an island nation that drinks tea and drives on the left, one thing we have in common with the Japanese is that we're a bit reserved. Some of the conversational phrases that we learn as beginners are not the sort of thing I'd say to people I'd only just met here in my own country. Things like "How old are you?" or "What is your job?" seem rather direct and perhaps a little intrusive.

Are Japanese people really OK with this sort of question?

マイケル

[Wes1378]

I agre, it's strange how common this question is. I was at a Japanese language meeting the other day and A Japanese lady asked me this. I really don't know how common it is among Japanese people to make this inquiry. I am reluctant to ask this question because I don't want people to ask me, however it is very common that people ask this early in conversation. You might notice it is phrased as "If you don't mind me asking". If you comment on the video maybe Ryan or Kenta will respond. They spend more time in Nippon than I do. One this is for sure, if you don't feel comfortable asking that, don't. We will be doing more phrases that are extremely popular in the first few minutes of conversation soon.

[natsukoy9313]

マイケルsan, Wes-san, kon'nichiwa!
Since the question is VERY polite, it's definitely ok for Japanese people to be asked like that.
Of course, there're people who try not to speak too much about themselves (especially in the area centering Tokyo), and just reply very ambiguously. In such case, you can just stop there and don't ask further questions!
I don't really like those kind of people, but it's one of the characteristics in this area. So, if you come across situation like that, it's not because you're foreign person, but it's their issue No worries!

These kind of questions shown on the programme is very useful and yet we never learn at beginner lessons of any foreign country.
It's simply because most of the courses are based on grammar, and this kind of sentences are for "survival" conversation like.
Yet, even in survival conversation, it's not really necessary for "survival", so almost impossible to find it.
Those are like in between: rather, those who want to try the foreign language s/he is learning with very limited knowledge.
It's a very new attempt and you nailed it perfectly!!
Looking forward to the next programme!

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com

[Wes1378]

Hmmmm... that's interesting. It's true you don't see this type of material much. I study all over the internet so I know what's available. You have a pretty good explanation of why we don't see these types of lessons. Thank you again your comments, it means a lot to me. Thank you also for helping with that viewers inquiry.
It's late, and I am studying Japanese, and I'm tired so I think I could rephrase my reply here. Hopefully it's comprehensible. : )

[natsukoy9313]

Wes-san,
It's of course comprehensible!
Good luck on your study and programme!

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com