Is English popular in Japan?

Question

Is English spoken popularly in Japan, in comparison with some other Asia countries such as China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam,...

Answer 1

English is indeed more popular and widely spoken in Japan. So much in fact that the Japanese language itself contains over a thousand English words. The term used to describe such words is "wasei eigo." There is no limit to the number of borrowed words that may appear in the future.

Examples of Japanese words borrowed from English:

Sumaato = Smart
Risaikurushoppu = Recycle Shop
Rifoomu = Reform
Pantsu = Pants

In addition, an entirely comical way of speaking English was unintentionally invented in Japan. Just as there is "Spanglish" in America, there is "Engrish" in Japan.

Example of a classic "Engrish" phrase from a video game:

"All your base are belong to us."

The Japanese want to speak English so much that they import hundreds of thousands of English language teachers each year. Some of the largest Eikaiwa (English Language Schools) in Japan are NOVA, AEON and GEOS. They have millions of students all over Japan and make huge profits.

Japan borrows words from many languages. First from the Chinese during the Han Dynasty and beyond, then from the Portuguese and Spanish when they made first contact in the 16th century. The practice of "borrowing words" continues in Japan to this day.

Answer 2

Only to the young that want to live or visit here. English is still taught but, ONLY in the written form. And it's taught up to about the 6th or 8th grade or so. So, the easiest way to communicate is to write it down. It was popular in the 80's but, I would think speaking Chinese would become more popular with the economics of more Chinese tourists. The Japanese are a very inwardly self centered culture, they think their's is the best. They make big strides to do so. To learn another language is not something that comes naturally for them. English in the schools is left over from the Occupation after WW2. That's another thing, not good with change. It takes a disaster to affect much change, why fix something if it ain't broke kind of attitude. The one thing is once they realize a problem they will take steps to fix it.

Heck, I am an example of that. I was born in the United States of Japanese descent. I have not taken many steps to learn Japanese. I am proud to be of Japanese heritage but, I am an American. Sometimes I think why should I learn Japanese. LOL. I learned French in High School. No interest in learning Japanese. I had no use for it till the 80's came around. Still did not learn.

Sorry went off on a tangent. Probably gave you more my perspective on my "brethren".

Good luck

Answer 3

1. there is no reason why the fact that they're gaijin should make them popular. 2. unless they're at least as good as Japanese mangaka at creating stories and writing the Japanese dialogue then obviously people would naturally prefer the better written manga by Japanese mangaka. 3. If you meant manga written in English, there's no reason on earth why Japanese kids and young people would want to read manga in English. I have no reason to believe that english mangaka are unpopular. I believe they are unheard of. If you don't know it exists you can't read it. The minority that have been heard of are probably just not good enough to become popular.

Answer 4

Yeah, many people go abroad to study English, however, more people understand English in China, i mean hong kong, thaiwan, . Also, singapore people speak English called Singlish.

Answer 5

Speak? Maybe. Speak a few short words and sentense only.
You will find it is little hard to communicate in English.
If you write in the paper, they will understand.
They really love their own language, Japanese.

Answer 6

U hardly find someone who can communicate english well when you on train and on the street.

Answer 7

Probably. It is certainly popular in Saudi Arabia.

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

yes