Part two: Are we having fun yet? Play wins the day!
SUBJECT-OBJECT-VERB structure V.S. a sometimes, OBJECT- SUBJECT-VERB or sentences structured around articles that define who is doing what. It just depends, really.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wF4584aa9eg/maxresdefault.jpg
If you come from a culture whose language is formed from an OBJECT first sentence structure, then chances are, that so too is your social structure. In some languages, such as Japanese, the subject of the sentence can be entirely left out of the sentence altogether.
In fact, it is considered ignorant and rude in Japanese to begin each sentence with reference to the subject, all the time. The subject first, I, you, we, they… of the West is not always necessary or even appropriate in the East.
I eat sushi can be said as simply, sushi o taberu ( sushi eat) The subject is implied. It is obvious who the speaker is if you are the one speaking. Once that is established, the subject is often just left out of the sentence structure.
Using the subject first in a sentence when referring to another, “You” is considered highly rude! “ you do this, you did that, you said, you are… ダサい (NOT COOL!)
These are of course basic examples and are in no way comprehensive. However, the point to be understood is that when you grow up with a language and culture that shapes society as it does its language, you may feel a deeply rooted sense of discomfort in adapting to the ‘me first’ SUBJECT_OBJECT_VERB attitude that is permitted ( and expected) in the West.
WHEN I AM TEACHING ENGLISH TO MY STUDENTS IN JAPAN, ( MY OTHER JOB) I ALWAYS ENCOURAGE THEM TO NOT ONLY READ, WRITE AND SPEAK ENGLISH, BUT TO EMBODY ENGLISH WHEN THEY ARE USING IT. IF YOU WANT TO SOUND AUTHENTIC AND FEEL NATURAL, ATTITUDE IS THE KEY.
I use the metaphor of being a rockstar! Who you are offstage is different from who you are onstage. The same goes for speaking English convincingly. When the time to speak confidently in English comes, give yourself permission to play in the world structured by a ME FIRST language.
East, West, North, or South, The societal rules that are subtly absorbed as one grows up in a culture will be taught, shaped, and expressed by language, and thus are a reflection of that language. That is why, even though one can learn English in a classroom, read, write, and speak in English, it falls short of guaranteeing success with Western audiences.
THE ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!
ENGLISH GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO PLAY, TO PUT YOURSELF FIRST.
Especially, in the West, where capitalism is king, selling yourself is all that there is. Humility will not get you very far. In fact, if you keep yourself small, and do not stand out in the West, then that is where you will remain.
The invitation to play is both for you and your would-be audience. Becoming comfortable with being the most interesting and exciting SUBJECT in how you speak is an important skill for an artist. Your audience wants to know! WHO ARE YOU REALLY? WHAT DO YOU OFFER? WHY SHOULD I BECOME YOUR FAN? Making the connection with your audience is like approaching a would-be partner for life. Bring it! Let them see what you have to offer. Confidence is key, and even awkwardness can be attractive when channeled into a connection. It shows your audience that you are real. When you are really comfortable with yourself. Then they will be too.
That is why the attitude of play saves the day. We all want to have fun! You can embody the play-fullness of the English language and the attitude of stardom that it permits the speaker. Combine that with not taking one’s own self too seriously, and it is what will draw fans to you by the masses! Why? Because it is fun!
