AI as interpreter cannot get you around the world
Akio Kawato / Former Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and a Newsweek Japan columnist
December 25, 2023
Japanese have a poor command of English, and how this has hampered the image of Japan and the Japanese abroad! Recently, however, we keep hearing that anyone can communicate with foreigners using AI as interpreter, and there is no longer any need to study English.
It isn’t all that simple. Let me explain.
More than half a century ago, when I studied at Harvard University, I could read and write in English, but my speaking and listening were abysmal. What the professors said in class sounded like birds twittering to me. I barely managed by reading the assigned books to pass exams, a process that felt like torture, requiring reading 200 pages a day. It took a whole year for me to manage to get by. In other words, it's absolutely necessary to immerse oneself in a foreign language environment, whether one likes it or not, for at least one year to acquire the necessary proficiency.
On top of that, the key lesson you can only learn from studying abroad is that sticking to the Japanese style or mindset cannot get you around the world. When the university introduced me to a host family, I struggled with how to address the host couple. In Japan, saying "okaasan" (mom) would be normal, but when I tried it, the harsh response I got was "I didn't give birth to you. Call me Mary." Thus, I came to learn that in the U.S., everyone is on an equal footing, with no rigid hierarchy.
On another occasion, my car was towed away for a parking violation. When I went to pick up the car, I found out that the car stereo had been stolen., When I complained to the police, the response was, "It's too bad. Did you have insurance?" That's when I learned the hard way the principle that one should deal with on one’s own risk.
Today, with the advent of AI, many think that it is no longer necessary to study foreign languages. That’s much too optimistic. Translating documents such as contracts could be done by AI, but even then, without rigorous checking, errors could be fatal. To sell products and services globally, you need more than just a catalog. Building connections, establishing trust, and networking are essential. While AI simultaneous translation might get you through a one-on-one meeting, it would seem a bit cumbersome during dinners or golf outings.
Japanese social and corporate norms are uncommon globally. Japanese businesspeople abroad must seek approval from headquarters for everything; business deals will slip away while you wait for the internal decision-making process at headquarters to be completed. It is a uniquely Japanese practice that when scandals hit a company, the CEO and other big shots parade themselves in public to bow deeply and express apology even before a judgment is made in the court of law.
The hierarchical structure of senpai-kohai (senior-junior) and the strict rank-consciousness between headquarters, branches and subcontractors manifest themselves in words and deeds of those concerned, but this does not align with Western norms. Additionally, Japanese people tend to read the situation around them and adjust what they say accordingly, which makes them appear as if they have no opinion of their own. This leads to the impression, wherever they go, that they are uninteresting and inexplicable.
In essence, it's not just about language. Many aspects of human relations and corporate organization in Japan are unique and cannot be translated by AI. If so, what's the solution?
The main hurdle in English language education in schools is the glaring scarcity of teachers with English language proficiency. 'English-proficient talents opt for well-paying jobs in foreign-affiliated companies. It is also true that not all students necessarily need to be proficient in English. Thus, what needs to be done is to create special intensive courses in English for motivated students. For the English language education (Chinese language education as well these days) of students in general, basic conversation and general education courses on foreign cultures may serve the purpose.
To learn how to interact with the world, there is no better way than to increase the opportunities tp study or be assigned abroad to work. The government is working on boosting study abroad
programs, but short-term stays of one month are meaningless; Japanese students are likely to end up in closed groups of their own and merely 'observing' foreign countries.
Studying as American universities usually costs $50,000 per year. To make studying there feasible, the government and companies need to establish large scholarship funds. The current recruitment system where students must start job hunting from the third year of college is a hindrance and needs to be revamped. For example, it would be most effective to launch a separate recruitment system for students with degrees and credits obtained through studying abroad.
Japan is facing a declining birthrate and an aging population. But with mounting financial needs for social security, healthcare and defense, shrinking, exercising thrift would only lead to impoverishment. To achieve the necessary economic growth of 1-2% a year, Japan must tap into international markets. While not everyone needs to become 'international', there's a need to increase the number of individuals who boldly drill their way into the venture into the world.
Internationalization won't progress through condescending preaching and cosmetic juggling of numbers. We must create an environment where knowing a foreign language really works to one’s benefit.
KAWATO Akio is a former ambassador to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and a Newsweek Japan columnist
It isn’t all that simple. Let me explain.
More than half a century ago, when I studied at Harvard University, I could read and write in English, but my speaking and listening were abysmal. What the professors said in class sounded like birds twittering to me. I barely managed by reading the assigned books to pass exams, a process that felt like torture, requiring reading 200 pages a day. It took a whole year for me to manage to get by. In other words, it's absolutely necessary to immerse oneself in a foreign language environment, whether one likes it or not, for at least one year to acquire the necessary proficiency.
On top of that, the key lesson you can only learn from studying abroad is that sticking to the Japanese style or mindset cannot get you around the world. When the university introduced me to a host family, I struggled with how to address the host couple. In Japan, saying "okaasan" (mom) would be normal, but when I tried it, the harsh response I got was "I didn't give birth to you. Call me Mary." Thus, I came to learn that in the U.S., everyone is on an equal footing, with no rigid hierarchy.
On another occasion, my car was towed away for a parking violation. When I went to pick up the car, I found out that the car stereo had been stolen., When I complained to the police, the response was, "It's too bad. Did you have insurance?" That's when I learned the hard way the principle that one should deal with on one’s own risk.
Today, with the advent of AI, many think that it is no longer necessary to study foreign languages. That’s much too optimistic. Translating documents such as contracts could be done by AI, but even then, without rigorous checking, errors could be fatal. To sell products and services globally, you need more than just a catalog. Building connections, establishing trust, and networking are essential. While AI simultaneous translation might get you through a one-on-one meeting, it would seem a bit cumbersome during dinners or golf outings.
Japanese social and corporate norms are uncommon globally. Japanese businesspeople abroad must seek approval from headquarters for everything; business deals will slip away while you wait for the internal decision-making process at headquarters to be completed. It is a uniquely Japanese practice that when scandals hit a company, the CEO and other big shots parade themselves in public to bow deeply and express apology even before a judgment is made in the court of law.
The hierarchical structure of senpai-kohai (senior-junior) and the strict rank-consciousness between headquarters, branches and subcontractors manifest themselves in words and deeds of those concerned, but this does not align with Western norms. Additionally, Japanese people tend to read the situation around them and adjust what they say accordingly, which makes them appear as if they have no opinion of their own. This leads to the impression, wherever they go, that they are uninteresting and inexplicable.
In essence, it's not just about language. Many aspects of human relations and corporate organization in Japan are unique and cannot be translated by AI. If so, what's the solution?
The main hurdle in English language education in schools is the glaring scarcity of teachers with English language proficiency. 'English-proficient talents opt for well-paying jobs in foreign-affiliated companies. It is also true that not all students necessarily need to be proficient in English. Thus, what needs to be done is to create special intensive courses in English for motivated students. For the English language education (Chinese language education as well these days) of students in general, basic conversation and general education courses on foreign cultures may serve the purpose.
To learn how to interact with the world, there is no better way than to increase the opportunities tp study or be assigned abroad to work. The government is working on boosting study abroad
programs, but short-term stays of one month are meaningless; Japanese students are likely to end up in closed groups of their own and merely 'observing' foreign countries.
Studying as American universities usually costs $50,000 per year. To make studying there feasible, the government and companies need to establish large scholarship funds. The current recruitment system where students must start job hunting from the third year of college is a hindrance and needs to be revamped. For example, it would be most effective to launch a separate recruitment system for students with degrees and credits obtained through studying abroad.
Japan is facing a declining birthrate and an aging population. But with mounting financial needs for social security, healthcare and defense, shrinking, exercising thrift would only lead to impoverishment. To achieve the necessary economic growth of 1-2% a year, Japan must tap into international markets. While not everyone needs to become 'international', there's a need to increase the number of individuals who boldly drill their way into the venture into the world.
Internationalization won't progress through condescending preaching and cosmetic juggling of numbers. We must create an environment where knowing a foreign language really works to one’s benefit.
KAWATO Akio is a former ambassador to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and a Newsweek Japan columnist
The English-Speaking Union of Japan
AIの通訳で世界は渡れない
河東 哲夫 / 元駐ウズベキスタン・タジキスタン大使、ニューズウィーク日本版コラムニスト
2023年 12月 25日
日本人は英語が下手だ。それがどんなに日本人、日本のイメージを損ねてきたことか。ところが最近では、AIを通訳として使えば、誰でも外国人とコミュニケートできる。英語の勉強はもう要らない、という声が聞こえるようになった。そんな簡単なことではない、ということを説明しよう。
もう半世紀も前、筆者がハーバード大学に留学した時のこと。英語の読み書きはできたが、話すのと聞くのはまるで駄目。授業で教授が言っていることは、鳥のさえずりと同じ。かろうじて、指定された書物を読んで、試験をこなした。それも、1日200頁は読まないといけない建前で、それは拷問に似ていた。1年もたってやっと、少しはものになった。つまり否応なしの外国語の環境にどっぷり浸かるのが、1年間は絶対必要。
そして、留学しないと絶対わからないのは、「日本流で世界は渡れない」ということ。大学がホスト・ファミリーを紹介してくれたのだが、その家の夫妻を何と呼べばいいかで、はたと困った。日本の常識で「お母さん」と言ったら叱られて、「私はあんたなんか産んだ覚えはない。Maryと呼べ」と言う。米国の建前は、横一線で皆序列なしなのだ、ということを思い知った。
別の日には駐車違反で警察に車を持っていかれ、取りに行くとカー・ステレオが盗られている。文句を言うと、「It’s too bad. お前保険かけてた？」でお終い。自己責任の原則をこうして叩き込まれる。
この頃は、AIとかで、もう外国語は勉強しなくていいのだと皆思っているが、あまい。契約書を翻訳する程度ならAIでいいが――それでも誤訳があれば致命傷――、世界でモノやサービスを売るには、カタログだけでは到底だめ。上から下まで人脈を築き、信頼関係を築いてやっと、販路は開ける。AIの同時通訳で面談を少しは凌ぐことはできても、食事やゴルフの席では面倒がられる。
日本社会、企業の常識は世界での非常識。海外の駐在員は何でも本社にうかがいを立て、社内の稟議で決めてもらわないといけないから、商談はみな逃げていく。社で不祥事があると、裁判で白黒もつかない前から、社長たちが会見して頭を下げるのも、日本だけ。
日本では先輩・後輩、本社・支社・下請けの序列が態度や言葉にも表れるが、これは欧米ではNG。加えて日本人は場を読み、場に合わせて発言するので、自分の意見がないことが多い。これでは、どこの国に行っても、得体のしれないつまらない人だと思われてしまう。
つまり言語だけではない。人間関係のあり方、企業組織のあり方の多くで日本は変わっており、AIで通訳できない。では、どうする？
学校の英語教育は、「英語のできる英語教師」が決定的に少ないことがネック。英語ができる人材は、待遇のいい外資などに就職してしまう。それに生徒の全員が英語を必要としているわけでもない。だからやる気のある生徒のためには英語特別コースを作り、一般の英語教育は――今では中国語も必要なのだが―ー、初歩会話と外国文化についての一般教養のコースとする。
世界とのつきあい方を覚えるには、留学や海外勤務を増やすしかない。政府も、留学を増やそうとしている。でも1カ月の短期留学ですますのは、意味がない。日本人が閉鎖的な群れを作って、外国を「眺めてくる」だけで終わってしまうからだ。
米国の大学は1年5万ドルは必要。政府・企業が協力して大規模な奨学基金を作らないと。そして遅くても大学3年生から就活を始めなければならない今の採用制度を改めて、留学で学位・単位を取得した学生には、別の採用枠を作るのが一番効く。
日本は少子化で高齢化。社会保障、医療、防衛と、金は益々必要なので、縮み志向では貧乏になるだけだ。1～2％の経済成長は必要なので、海外市場に出ざるを得ない。全員が「国際化」する必要はないし、それは無理だが、錐のようになって世界に突進していく人材はもっと増やさ国際化は上から目線でのお説教、数字合わせの政策では進まない。外国語ができればいいことがある、という環境を作らないといけない。
筆者は元駐ウズベキスタン・タジキスタン大使、ニューズウィーク日本版コラムニスト
もう半世紀も前、筆者がハーバード大学に留学した時のこと。英語の読み書きはできたが、話すのと聞くのはまるで駄目。授業で教授が言っていることは、鳥のさえずりと同じ。かろうじて、指定された書物を読んで、試験をこなした。それも、1日200頁は読まないといけない建前で、それは拷問に似ていた。1年もたってやっと、少しはものになった。つまり否応なしの外国語の環境にどっぷり浸かるのが、1年間は絶対必要。
そして、留学しないと絶対わからないのは、「日本流で世界は渡れない」ということ。大学がホスト・ファミリーを紹介してくれたのだが、その家の夫妻を何と呼べばいいかで、はたと困った。日本の常識で「お母さん」と言ったら叱られて、「私はあんたなんか産んだ覚えはない。Maryと呼べ」と言う。米国の建前は、横一線で皆序列なしなのだ、ということを思い知った。
別の日には駐車違反で警察に車を持っていかれ、取りに行くとカー・ステレオが盗られている。文句を言うと、「It’s too bad. お前保険かけてた？」でお終い。自己責任の原則をこうして叩き込まれる。
この頃は、AIとかで、もう外国語は勉強しなくていいのだと皆思っているが、あまい。契約書を翻訳する程度ならAIでいいが――それでも誤訳があれば致命傷――、世界でモノやサービスを売るには、カタログだけでは到底だめ。上から下まで人脈を築き、信頼関係を築いてやっと、販路は開ける。AIの同時通訳で面談を少しは凌ぐことはできても、食事やゴルフの席では面倒がられる。
日本社会、企業の常識は世界での非常識。海外の駐在員は何でも本社にうかがいを立て、社内の稟議で決めてもらわないといけないから、商談はみな逃げていく。社で不祥事があると、裁判で白黒もつかない前から、社長たちが会見して頭を下げるのも、日本だけ。
日本では先輩・後輩、本社・支社・下請けの序列が態度や言葉にも表れるが、これは欧米ではNG。加えて日本人は場を読み、場に合わせて発言するので、自分の意見がないことが多い。これでは、どこの国に行っても、得体のしれないつまらない人だと思われてしまう。
つまり言語だけではない。人間関係のあり方、企業組織のあり方の多くで日本は変わっており、AIで通訳できない。では、どうする？
学校の英語教育は、「英語のできる英語教師」が決定的に少ないことがネック。英語ができる人材は、待遇のいい外資などに就職してしまう。それに生徒の全員が英語を必要としているわけでもない。だからやる気のある生徒のためには英語特別コースを作り、一般の英語教育は――今では中国語も必要なのだが―ー、初歩会話と外国文化についての一般教養のコースとする。
世界とのつきあい方を覚えるには、留学や海外勤務を増やすしかない。政府も、留学を増やそうとしている。でも1カ月の短期留学ですますのは、意味がない。日本人が閉鎖的な群れを作って、外国を「眺めてくる」だけで終わってしまうからだ。
米国の大学は1年5万ドルは必要。政府・企業が協力して大規模な奨学基金を作らないと。そして遅くても大学3年生から就活を始めなければならない今の採用制度を改めて、留学で学位・単位を取得した学生には、別の採用枠を作るのが一番効く。
日本は少子化で高齢化。社会保障、医療、防衛と、金は益々必要なので、縮み志向では貧乏になるだけだ。1～2％の経済成長は必要なので、海外市場に出ざるを得ない。全員が「国際化」する必要はないし、それは無理だが、錐のようになって世界に突進していく人材はもっと増やさ国際化は上から目線でのお説教、数字合わせの政策では進まない。外国語ができればいいことがある、という環境を作らないといけない。
筆者は元駐ウズベキスタン・タジキスタン大使、ニューズウィーク日本版コラムニスト
一般社団法人 日本英語交流連盟