Mixed Feelings

[northern lad 2,292]

Some years ago Ken I worked as an engineer for a huge international company,we regularly had visitors from all over the world ,to look at new projects we developed etc etc.During one such visit by Japanese hierarchy we had a proper rough arsed Geordie working with us,ex army,covered in tats ....the japs were stood having a conversation about something and becoming pretty animated when suddenly Jim steps in and joins the conversation...turns out his ex wife was Japanese and he had lived there for near 10 years and spoke it fluently to say they were impressed was an understatement(they could even tell by his accent what area he was from anyway within the week he was taken off the agency,given a contract as an interpreter ££££s and flew to sites/meetings all over the world apparently at the time whilst a Jap speaking English wasn't uncommon.a Brit speaking Japanese was....it opened allsorts of doors for him,tell your daughter to grasp the chance with both hands,my eldest only lives 8 miles away,it may aswell be japan,youll worry about your kids wherever they are,good luck to her

[Born Hunter 17,751]

Some years ago Ken I worked as an engineer for a huge international company,we regularly had visitors from all over the world ,to look at new projects we developed etc etc.During one such visit by Japanese hierarchy we had a proper rough arsed Geordie working with us,ex army,covered in tats ....the japs were stood having a conversation about something and becoming pretty animated when suddenly Jim steps in and joins the conversation...turns out his ex wife was Japanese and he had lived there for near 10 years and spoke it fluently to say they were impressed was an understatement(they could even tell by his accent what area he was from anyway within the week he was taken off the agency,given a contract as an interpreter ££££s and flew to sites/meetings all over the world apparently at the time whilst a Jap speaking English wasn't uncommon.a Brit speaking Japanese was....it opened allsorts of doors for him,tell your daughter to grasp the chance with both hands,my eldest only lives 8 miles away,it may aswell be japan,youll worry about your kids wherever they are,good luck to her

 

That's a perfect example of why I argue it is important to teach about foreign cultures and languages in state education. In an aparently shrinking world of diverse cultures and languages it's a big benefit to have a little understanding of the others we share it with.

[lanesra 3,994]

Socks It Will Break Your Heart The Day She Leaves . . I Know I Had It When My Son Left For America . . And Yes You'll Worry But What An Obvious Bright/Driven Girl You Have & For That You & The Mrs Should Be Proud Mate , She Has Been There Before So Knows What Too Expect Plus With Skype Ect You's Can Keep In Touch Regular , Plus You & The Mrs Can Visit Her So You'd Better Start Polishing Up On Your Japanese .

P.S. Don't Forget The Kleenex When Taking Her The Airport . . I Guarantee You'll Need Them .