Am i worthless to Japanese people if i'm American but i don't speak english well?

Question

I'm 27 but i don't speak english that well because i'm quiet, so i never talk , have never had friends so i don't have social skills nor language skills.

I have studied japanese so i'm interestted in japanese people and their culture and i speak japanese pretty well(i have proven it to my self and in voice chats i do well).

Anyways, the japanese skills means nothing to Japanese natives who come to the USA. They want to meet Americans with english skill, slang, or expressions which most social americans have. That's also the image of America they have, that americans are talkative ,outgoing. I'm not. i'm shy quiet, and hispanic. I also don't speak spanish well, in fact it's even worse because i also don't have any friends or contact with hispanics since i'm shy/quiet and i don't talk. Ok whatever, so although i'm friendly and i like to help and learn, do these people see me as trash? I have met some of them before and it has always been bad experience. They say i'm not american

more on the subject:

So they see i speak slow and simple so immediately they think, "he's not american" "he doesn't speak english fluently".

Moreover since i'm quiet and shy and i don't go out much or do any activities outgoing americans do, they ask me about American culture and i just have to rely on what i have read or seen in tv.

Also, since i'm not white i don't do some things that other Americans do, thus if they ask me about something i don't know have no clue.

Anyways, you get what i'm getting at.

Answer 1

First if all, your English is perfectly fine. I can tell by your punctuation, complete sentences, and your use of the adverb "well" that your command of the English language is probably above average. I think your main difficulties are with shyness and limited interpersonal skills. For both, the only way to improve is to just put yourself out there and be open and warm to people. It takes time to become comfortable doing so, but keep at it. Those are good skills to have no matter what language you speak or what country you reside in.

You have to understand that while Japan is very welcoming of occidental influences, their view of what constitutes "American" most likely comes from 90210 and Friends reruns. "American" to them equals blond hair, blue eyes, white skin. Especially since Japan as a country does not have multiple races living together, they're not familiar with black, latino, or native american culture. Their definition of what is "American" is pretty narrow. That's pretty sad considering multiracialism is what really makes the USA and American history unique. You would do them a favor by exposing them to your unique experiences as a latin american, and opening their eyes and helping them broaden their perspective of what constitutes "American." So continue to reach out to them and humor them with more "mainstream" activities (music, going dancing, movies, TV, parties, camping, etc), but also give them a chance to experience something more unique. Also, in doing more "mainstream" activities with these Japanese visitors, it may help you relate to and get to know some of your more "mainstream" fellow American colleagues and friends.

Lastly, I second Pimp Master G's opinion that teaching English in Japan would be a great opportunity for you. Get certified to teach ESL or foreign languages. They are always looking for people who can speak eloquent and proper English and has a solid command of grammar and syntax. Meanwhile, your Japanese will improve exponentially and you will gain a much deeper appreciation for the culture while teaching in Japan.

Answer 2

There is always a need for people in the middle. Being able to speak english in japanese syntax is very helpful.

Having a basic "thesaurus" knowledge of english is very helpful. People who learn english tend to only learn one word for many things, and americans are particularly bad about giving up if the first word they use for something is not understood.

Just knowing how to speak english with spaces between the words is a huge help. Ive had japanese describe american speech as sounding like flowing water.

You probably have the basic ability to understand the nearby dialects. In many places on earth other languages are a days drive away. In the US those are the ability to understand californian, texan, ebonics, and new yorkian.

Ignore the people who feel they are ready to dive right into american mainstream. Those arent who you would most help. You could probably land a good job as a tour guide or at a major hotel or for a large corporation.

Answer 3

So what you are saying is that you speak three languages, but none fluently. Maybe you could teach English and or Spanish in Japan, or Japanese here? Or Japanese and English in a Spanish speaking country.

I don't think anyone's going to view you as trash. After all you can converse in three languages.

Where were you schooled? You should have placed more emphasis on developing your grammar and reading abilities. Then you'd speak at least one language fluently.

Answer 4

I really think you should get a job as an english teacher in Japan. this sounds like it would be ideal for you, I have a mate who has done this and had the time of his life, in fact it has completely transformed his life.

Not only will people respect you out there since you are speaking their language, but you will be with people who geniunely want to learn about your culture and treat you as one of their own.

Do it - get a teaching foreign language type qualification and head out there. if you don't like it you can always come back and you'll have skills for life.

Answer 5

First of all you are Latin American just like me. I don't see why your lack of communication with people would make you worthless. You strike me as shy. All you have to do is let go of that shyness in you. If you need any help with English or Spanish, you can e-mail me. Your English seems fine to me so I don't know what you are going on about. You are learning Japanese and that's great. You seem very smart, keep it up and you'll do great in life. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Well you do not have compatibility their stereotype of the average "American". Some humans would possibly believe awesome given that they may be able to talk "your" language greater than you'll be able to. Try educating them a few Spanish. Or flatter them via asking them to train you in English. They would discover they do not know English as good as they consider they do!

Answer 7

I am surprised. The Japanese tourists who come to Australia are very impressed with anybody who can speak Japanese well. Maybe you are just meeting the wrong people.
Congratulations on your progress ; Japanese is a difficult language.

Answer 8

I agree with the guy who say "get a teaching job in Japan"

I recommend you to take a JLPT3 or JLPT2 (international recongise) and pass it before applying for a Japan job.

With the credit, you can go to Japan and start your teaching career. ^^

Being slow in your English language is not a flaw, those people who dont understand you are flawed (they are wearing coloured glasses).

Answer 9

I am not sure what you want to say.
You keep saying I am not..............again i am not...................
Why you are so negative.
Japanese people are as you say they have more influence
from America.
Even bad and good all has been swallowed.
I get confused are you American?

Answer 10

maybe you just have bad experiences....
I am not American at all
but I a mtalking with girl from japan and she is nice...
good luck!