Not only my classmates but my teacher is scary too. I don't want them to be annoyed...
Because Japanese are moslty shy, it was hard for me to make friends outside school.
TodayWhat is the current situation today?
- They cannot ask even they have some questions because they think they would be frowned at They can't speak Japanese in school even they are able to because they don't want to be teased. They feel scared and bullied not only in relationship between friends but because the teachers are strict. Some people struggle having a great relationship with teachers. For example when an international child pointed out the teacher's mistake, the teacher made a unpleasant face.
- They can only response in simple words and it probes to quarrels. Sometimes it's just an misunderstanding when they speak afterwards. In consequence, some kids keep their feelings back.
- The way to build friendship in Japan is different from other countries so it is hard to adapt and it makes them feel confused.
He couldn't point out mistakes anymore because he thought it a bad thing to do and he thought the teacher hated him.
(Quoted from
Takami Yamoto (2018) “Difficulties of Children with Roots in the Philippines-Focusing on Children Studying in Japanese Schools” p.5（Miyagi Gakuin Women's University Repository））
When I came to Japan, I quickly understood words my classmates used to run me down like "stupid".
I knew I was belittled so I wanted to talk back, but I couldn't speak Japanese so I started a fist fight.
The teacher told me to apologize and I couldn't explain what happened so I had to do it.
(Quoted from
Kim Songil・Yoshiko Shiki（2014） Factors Related to Ensuring the Education of Foreign Children : The Practice of Educational Support at Kobe Foreigners Friendship Center (page7)
)
I had some days when I decided not to speak.
I had multiple times when I only say "good morning " and nothing else in a day.
(Quoted from
Takami Yamoto (2018) “Difficulties of Children with Roots in the Philippines-Focusing on Children Studying in Japanese Schools” p.7（Miyagi Gakuin Women's University Repository）p.5
)
The cultural differences confused me because in the Philippines people connect more familiarly than Japanese people.
When my friends explained it to me, I learned their perspectives.
(Quoted from
Takami Yamoto (2018) “Difficulties of Children with Roots in the Philippines-Focusing on Children Studying in Japanese Schools” p.7（Miyagi Gakuin Women's University Repository）p.5
)
SolutionWhat kind of solutions do we have?
Support kids who aren't good in Japanese through Japanese classes and international classes
Japanese classes and international classes are classes where they teach basics like hiragana, katakana or give lessons using Japanese.
There are many ways to support depending on schools and municipalities. They draw out kids who need support during usual classes, or gather kids who need help.
For kids who can't speak Japanese, there is a need to teach them "survival Japanese" which are hiragana and necessary words. It is vital for them at school.
Also, these classes don't just teach kids Japanese but work a big role by being a place where international kids can find friends with the same backgrounds, and remove their loneliness.
However, the problem is that they can't get this support anywhere.
In places where only a few international kids live(scattered areas), It is not uncommon for the school to not have Japanese classes (refer other page).
Also, they mostly rely on volunteers for Human Resources.
Create an acceptable atmosphere
It is important to create a good atmosphere in class and don't just rely on Japanese classes and international classes.
Classmates should discuss how they would think if they were to go to a school in a country where they don't understand the language.
Have international kids speak about the place where they grew and their lifestyle.
(Quoted from
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology(MEXT)’s "Guidance for accepting foreign students"
)
Guidance about class management for teachers is beginning to be made by every municipality.
OpinionOur opinion
I think it is necessary for each other to know the culture of the language because it happens because we do not understand the words (for example) that are taboo in Japan.
I think we should talk about the background and culture in which the person grew up, as I had experienced and this was the solution. I was very happy that the teacher told to my classmates that Japanese people have a habit of taking lessons quietly or are shy because they often don't speak alone during class, and my classmates also understand.
While when I was studying abroad, I was afraid of being fooled by the fact that I was using the wrong English and couldn't be proactive. However, there were a few people around me who asked me a lot about my culture, and I thought it would be okay if I made a mistake because English is not my mother tongue, so I made a mistake and tried to improve my English. So, I think that feeling being accepted in the class is a very important factor in speaking with courage.
I think if you don't have friends in your class who can talk casually they’ll feel mentally tired so I think it's important to create an environment where the child can feel at ease by talking to them so that they don't get into that situation.
I thought that if I was in the same situation, I would certainly be scared and couldn't start talking. Even if they don't understand the language, I may be able to say "it's all fine" with an attitude.
Back
I can't be clear about what people are thinking because I can't speak Japanese so I'm trying to read facial expressions but I still get upset when people make irritated face.