Breaking News English Lesson: Japanese English

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Researchers want to 'correct' Japanese English (21st November, 2020)

The Reading / Listening - Japanese English - Level 3

There are many types of English around the world. Some well-known varieties in Asia include Chinglish in China, Singlish in Singapore and Japanese English. A group of language experts in Japan is troubled by how the government uses English. In particular, it says the government uses computer or online translation too much. Researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words and expressions. Many of these are confusing to English speakers. The researchers worry this could have a negative impact on Japan's tourist industry. They even say the increasing amount of unsuitable words is becoming a "national embarrassment" in Japan.

The research team says computer software gives odd or incorrect translations for individual kanji - the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. There are many examples of this, including "Hello Work" - the name for job centres, and "Go To Travel" a plan to help tourism in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team says software creates, "unintentionally funny translations that could easily be corrected if they were just checked by an English speaker". Businesses also create this English. The Christmas message being used by the Seibu Sogo department store has raised eyebrows. It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the wrong thing to say during coronavirus and "Stay Happy" would be better.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Japanese English - Level 0, Japanese English - Level 1 or Japanese English - Level 2

Sources

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/18/hello-work-or-job-centre-language-experts-japan-english
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201116/p2a/00m/0dm/006000c
https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/english-ad-in-japan-has-some-seeing-a-command-to-stay-infected-with-coronavirus-this-christmas

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. JAPANESE ENGLISH: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about Japanese English. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
types / varieties / English / government / translation / words / expressions / tourist /
software / translations / characters / job centres / pandemic / businesses / eyebrows
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. GLOBAL LANGUAGE: Students A strongly believe English should be the global language; Students B strongly believe it shouldn't. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. ENGLISH: What tips do you have to study these aspects of English? Why do you think they work? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

Tips to study...	What Are The Tips?	Why Do They Work?
Grammar
Pronunciation
Speaking
Spelling
Writing
Vocabulary

MY e-BOOK

ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers

See a sample

5. TRANSLATION: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "translation". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. LANGUAGE: Rank these with your partner. Put the most interesting things about language at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Idioms
Grammar
Punctuation
Pronunciation
Alphabets
Conversation
Reading
Poetry

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	variety	a.	A word or phrase, especially an idiomatic one, used to give an idea.
2.	experts	b.	People who know a lot about a topic, or are very, very skilled at something.
3.	in particular	c.	Changing words or text from one language into another.
4.	translation	d.	Different things of the same type or kind that are different in character or quality.
5.	confusing	e.	A feeling of shame and of feeling bad about yourself or your actions in front of others.
6.	expression	f.	Especially.
7.	embarrassment	g.	Very difficult to understand.

Paragraph 2

8.	odd	h.	Of a disease that is all over a whole country or the world.
9.	individual	i.	Printed or written letters or symbols.
10.	characters	j.	Not on purpose.
11.	pandemic	k.	Different from what is usual or expected; strange.
12.	tourism	l.	Single; separate.
13.	unintentionally	m.	Caused surprise or disbelief.
14.	raised eyebrows	n.	The business of vacations and visits to places of interest.

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

The article says there are 27 types of English around the world. T / F
A group of language experts in England is troubled by Japanese English. T / F
Researchers say translation software creates strange words. T / F
Japanese English could have a bad effect on Japan's tourism industry. T / F
There is a job centre in Japan called 'Hello Work'. T / F
There is a plan called 'Go To Travel' to help Japan's tourism industry. T / F
A department store wants people to raise their eyebrows. T / F
A Christmas message might not be so good during the COVID-19 crisis. T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

types
experts
in particular
impact
industry
odd
characters
plan
create
believe

make
effect
letters
specialists
strange
especially
strategy
kinds
think
business

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

There are many types of English
A group of language experts in
translations create strange and confusing
have a negative impact on Japan's
a national embarrassment
computer software gives odd or
the Chinese characters used
translations that could easily
raised
people believe this is the wrong thing to

words and expressions
say
in Japan
in Japanese writing
incorrect translations
be corrected
around the world
eyebrows
Japan is troubled
tourist industry

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

experts
confusing
varieties
amount
translations
embarrassment
particular
tourist

There are many types of English around the world. Some well-known (1) _____________________ in Asia include Chinglish in China, Singlish in Singapore and Japanese English. A group of language (2) _____________________ in Japan is troubled by how the government uses English. In (3) _____________________, it says the government uses computer or online translation too much. Researchers say many (4) _____________________ create strange and confusing words and expressions. Many of these are (5) _____________________ to English speakers. The researchers worry this could have a negative impact on Japan's (6) _____________________ industry. They even say the increasing (7) _____________________ of unsuitable words is becoming a "national (8) _____________________" in Japan.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

message
odd
wrong
tourism
eyebrows
checked
examples
funny

The research team says computer software gives (9) _____________________ or incorrect translations for individual kanji - the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. There are many (10) _____________________ of this, including "Hello Work" - the name for job centres, and "Go To Travel" a plan to help (11) _____________________ in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team says software creates, "unintentionally (12) _____________________ translations that could easily be corrected if they were just (13) _____________________ by an English speaker". Businesses also create this English. The Christmas (14) _____________________ being used by the Seibu Sogo department store has raised (15) _____________________. It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the (16) _____________________ thing to say during coronavirus and "Stay Happy" would be better.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) A group of language experts in ______
     a. Japan is trouble
     b. Japan's troubled
     c. Japan's trouble
     d. Japan is troubled
2) In particular, it says the government uses computer or online ______
     a. translated too much
     b. translate it too much
     c. translation too much
     d. translating too much
3) Researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words ______
   a. end expression
     b. end expressions
     c. and expressions
     d. sand expressions
4) this could have a negative impact on Japan's ______
     a. tourist industry
     b. tourist industrial
     c. tourist industries
     d. tourist industrious
5) the increasing amount of unsuitable words is becoming a ______
     a. nation all embarrassment
     b. national embarrassment
     c. nationality embarrassment
     d. nationals embarrassment

6) The research team says computer software gives odd ______
     a. or in correct translations
     b. or incorrectly translations
     c. or incorrect translations
     d. or in correction translations
7) There are many examples of this, including "Hello Work" - the name ______
     a. four job centres
     b. far job centres
     c. fair job centres
     d. for job centres
8) software creates, "unintentionally funny translations that could ______
     a. easily be corrects
     b. easily be correcting
     c. easily be correction
     d. easily be corrected
9) The Christmas message being used by the Seibu Sogo department store ______
     a. has roast eyebrows
     b. has braised eyebrows
     c. has raised eyebrows
     d. has race eyebrows
10) It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the wrong ______
     a. things to say
     b. thing too say
     c. thing to say
     d. things too say

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

There are (1) ____________________ English around the world. Some well-(2) ____________________ Asia include Chinglish in China, Singlish in Singapore and Japanese English. A group of (3) ____________________ Japan is troubled by how the government uses English. In particular, it says the government uses computer (4) ____________________ too much. Researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words and expressions. Many of these are confusing to English speakers. The researchers worry this could have (5) ____________________ on Japan's tourist industry. They even say the increasing amount (6) ____________________ is becoming a "national embarrassment" in Japan.

The research team says computer software gives (7) ____________________ translations for individual kanji - the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. There are (8) ____________________ this, including "Hello Work" - the name for job centres, and "Go To Travel" a plan (9) ____________________ in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team says software creates, "unintentionally funny translations that could easily (10) ____________________ they were just checked by an English speaker". Businesses also create this English. The Christmas (11) ____________________ by the Seibu Sogo department store has raised eyebrows. It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the wrong thing to (12) ____________________ and "Stay Happy" would be better.

Comprehension questions

What is the name of the variety of English spoken in China?
What group in Japan is troubled by the government's use of English?
Who does the article say can be confused by translations?
What impact might poor translations have on Japan's tourism industry?
What did the group say the unsuitable words were becoming in Japan?
What is the name of the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing?
What is the name of the national job centre in Japan?
Who did a professor say could easily correct "funny translations"?
What did a Christmas message from a department store raise?
What did the article say was a better slogan than "Stay Positive"?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What is the name of the variety of English spoken in China?
a) Chiglish
b) Chinglish
c) Chinaglish
d) Chenglish
2) What group in Japan is troubled by the government's use of English?
a) a teachers' group
b) a vocabulary group
c) a group of students
d) a group of language experts
3) Who does the article say can be confused by translations?
a) Japan's government
b) students
c) English speakers
d) professors
4) What impact might poor translations have on Japan's tourism industry?
a) a negative impact
b) a positive impact
c) a nice impact
d) no impact at all
5) What did the group say the unsuitable words were becoming in Japan?
a) more and more unsuitable
b) a national embarrassment
c) crazy
d) very hard to understand

6) What is the name of the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing?
a) kanji
b) Kenji
c) Koji
d) cagey
7) What is the name of the national job centre in Japan?
a) Goodbye Home
b) Hi Work
c) Hello Work
d) Job Centre
8) Who did a professor say could easily correct "funny translations"?
a) an English speaker
b) Japan's government
c) students
d) teachers
9) What did a Christmas message from a department store raise?
a) the temperature
b) laughs
c) money
d) eyebrows
10) What did the article say was a better slogan than "Stay Positive"?
a) Don't Worry
b) Be Happy
c) Stay Happy
d) Be Good

Role play

Role A – Grammar
You think grammar is the most interesting thing about language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as interesting. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): pronunciation, writing or vocabulary.

Role B – Pronunciation
You think pronunciation is the most interesting thing about language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as interesting. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): grammar, writing or vocabulary.

Role C – Writing
You think writing is the most interesting thing about language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as interesting. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): pronunciation, grammar or vocabulary.

Role D – Vocabulary
You think vocabulary is the most interesting thing about language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't as interesting. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): pronunciation, writing or grammar.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'Japanese'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'English'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• Share your findings with your partners.

• Make questions using the words you found.

• Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

•Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

types

experts

troubled

confusing

negative

national

odd

examples

plan

funny

create

raised

Student survey

Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

(Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

Discussion - Japanese English

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

What did you think when you read the headline?
What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'Japanese'?
What do you think of English?
What variety of English do people speak in your country?
What are your favourite English words?
What do you think of translation software?
Are there any funny translations from your language into English?
What English words do you think are strange?
Are many English words used in your language?
Should English become the world language?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
What do you think of when you hear the word 'English'?
What do you think about what you read?
Have you ever made a big or funny mistake translating English?
What do you think of the name 'Hello Work' for a job centre?
What do you think of the tourism slogan 'Go To Travel'?
What was the last thing to happen that raised your eyebrows?
What do you think of the 'Stay Positive' Christmas message?
What advice do you have for Japan's translators?
What questions would you like to ask the researchers?

Discussion — Write your own questions

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

(a) ________________

(b) ________________

(c) ________________

(d) ________________

(e) ________________

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

(f) ________________

(g) ________________

(h) ________________

(i) ________________

(j) ________________

Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

There are many (1) ____ of English around the world. Some well-known varieties in Asia include Chinglish in China, Singlish in Singapore and Japanese English. A group of language (2) ____ in Japan is troubled by how the government uses English. In (3) ____, it says the government uses computer or online translation too much. Researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words and expressions. Many of these are confusing (4) ____ English speakers. The researchers worry this could have a negative impact (5) ____ Japan's tourist industry. They even say the increasing amount of unsuitable words is becoming a "national (6) ____" in Japan.

The research team says computer software gives (7) ____ or incorrect translations for individual kanji - the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. There are many examples of this, (8) ____ "Hello Work" - the name for job centres, and "Go To Travel" a plan to help tourism in Japan (9) ____ the COVID-19 pandemic. The team says software creates, "unintentionally funny translations that could easily be corrected if they were just checked (10) ____ an English speaker". Businesses also create this English. The Christmas message being used by the Seibu Sogo department store has (11) ____ eyebrows. It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the wrong thing to say during coronavirus and "Stay Happy" would (12) ____ better.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) taps (b) tropes (c) tapes (d) types
(a) excerpts (b) expects (c) expats (d) experts
(a) peculiar (b) particular (c) practical (d) production
(a) of (b) at (c) to (d) on
(a) to (b) at (c) on (d) as
(a) embarrassment (b) embarrassing (c) embarrass (d) embarrasses
(a) even (b) odd (c) evenly (d) oddly
(a) including (b) include (c) inclusive (d) included
(a) while (b) during (c) among (d) between
(a) of (b) to (c) by (d) on
(a) arisen (b) rising (c) raised (d) rises
(a) been (b) being (c) is (d) be

Spelling

Paragraph 1

Some well-known vriitaees
A group of language xperets
strange and nufoscnig words
this could have a gntaeive impact
the increasing amount of nsiuatuble words
becoming a national baresasrmemnt in Japan

Paragraph 2

odd or incorrect anttnsiaslro
Chinese crtcshraae
a plan to help itruosm
during the COVID-19 ecampndi
easily be ecorrtedc
raised eworbsey

Put the text back together

(...) troubled by how the government uses English. In particular, it says the government uses computer or online
(...) worry this could have a negative impact on Japan's tourist industry. They even say the increasing amount
(...) of unsuitable words is becoming a "national embarrassment" in Japan.
(...) translation too much. Researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words
(...) store has raised eyebrows. It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the wrong
(...) centres, and "Go To Travel" a plan to help tourism in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team says software creates, "unintentionally funny transla
(...) English. The Christmas message being used by the Seibu Sogo department
(...) characters used in Japanese writing. There are many examples of this, including "Hello Work" - the name for job
( 1 ) There are many types of English around the world. Some well-known varieties in Asia include Chinglish
(...) The research team says computer software gives odd or incorrect translations for individual kanji - the Chinese
(...) in China, Singlish in Singapore and Japanese English. A group of language experts in Japan is
(...) thing to say during coronavirus and "Stay Happy" would be better.
(...) and expressions. Many of these are confusing to English speakers. The researchers
(...) tions that could easily be corrected if they were just checked by an English speaker". Businesses also create this

Put the words in the right order

English types Many world . different of around the
A experts of Japan . group in language
It uses the translation . online government says
confusing to Many are of speakers . English these
negative Have on Japan's a impact tourist industry .
characters in used writing . the Chinese Japanese - Kanji
plan to in tourism A help Japan .
checked were English speaker . by an If they
a by message The department Christmas used store .
to thing People the it's wrong believe say .

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

There are many type / types of English around the world. Some well-known varieties in Asia include / including Chinglish in China, Singlish in Singapore and Japanese English. A group of language expats / experts in Japan is troubled on / by how the government uses / useful English. In particular, it says the government uses computer or online translated / translation too much. Researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words and expressive / expressions. Many of these are confusing to English speakers. The researchers worry this could have a negative impact on / in Japan's tourist industry. They even say the increasing amount of unsuitable / suited words is becoming / become a "national embarrassment" in Japan.

The research / researchers team says computer software gives odd or incorrect translations for individual / lonely kanji - the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. There are many / much examples of this, including "Hello Work" - the name for job centres, and "Go To Travel" a plant / plan to help tourism in Japan while / during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team says software creates, "unintentionally funny / funnily translations that could easily be corrected / wronged if they were just checked by an English speaker". Businesses also create this English. The Christmas message been / being used by the Seibu Sogo department store has raised / shaved eyebrows. It says "Stay Positive." Many people believe this is the wrong thing to say during coronavirus and "Stay Happy" would be / say better.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

Th_r_ _r_ m_ny typ_s _f _ngl_sh _r__nd th_ w_rld. S_m_ w_ll-kn_wn v_r__t__s _n _s__ _ncl_d_ Ch_ngl_sh _n Ch_n_, S_ngl_sh _n S_ng_p_r_ _nd J_p_n_s_ _ngl_sh. _ gr__p _f l_ng__g_ _xp_rts _n J_p_n _s tr__bl_d by h_w th_ g_v_rnm_nt _s_s _ngl_sh. _n p_rt_c_l_r, _t s_ys th_ g_v_rnm_nt _s_s c_mp_t_r _r _nl_n_ tr_nsl_t__n t__ m_ch. R_s__rch_rs s_y m_ny tr_nsl_t__ns cr__t_ str_ng_ _nd c_nf_s_ng w_rds _nd _xpr_ss__ns. M_ny _f th_s_ _r_ c_nf_s_ng t_ _ngl_sh sp__k_rs. Th_ r_s__rch_rs w_rry th_s c__ld h_v_ _ n_g_t_v_ _mp_ct _n J_p_n's t__r_st _nd_stry. Th_y _v_n s_y th_ _ncr__s_ng _m__nt _f _ns__t_bl_ w_rds _s b_c_m_ng _ "n_t__n_l _mb_rr_ssm_nt" _n J_p_n.

Th_ r_s__rch t__m s_ys c_mp_t_r s_ftw_r_ g_v_s _dd _r _nc_rr_ct tr_nsl_t__ns f_r _nd_v_d__l k_nj_ - th_ Ch_n_s_ ch_r_ct_rs _s_d _n J_p_n_s_ wr_t_ng. Th_r_ _r_ m_ny _x_mpl_s _f th_s, _ncl_d_ng "H_ll_ W_rk" - th_ n_m_ f_r j_b c_ntr_s, _nd "G_ T_ Tr_v_l" _ pl_n t_ h_lp t__r_sm _n J_p_n d_r_ng th_ C_V_D-19 p_nd_m_c. Th_ t__m s_ys s_ftw_r_ cr__t_s, "_n_nt_nt__n_lly f_nny tr_nsl_t__ns th_t c__ld __s_ly b_ c_rr_ct_d _f th_y w_r_ j_st ch_ck_d by _n _ngl_sh sp__k_r". B_s_n_ss_s _ls_ cr__t_ th_s _ngl_sh. Th_ Chr_stm_s m_ss_g_ b__ng _s_d by th_ S__b_ S_g_ d_p_rtm_nt st_r_ h_s r__s_d _y_br_ws. _t s_ys "St_y P_s_t_v_." M_ny p__pl_ b_l_ _ v _ th_s _s th_ wr_ng th_ng t_ s_y d_r_ng c_r_n_v_r_s _nd "St_y H_ppy" w__ld b_ b_tt_r.

Punctuate the text and add capitals

there are many types of english around the world some wellknown varieties in asia include chinglish in china singlish in singapore and japanese english a group of language experts in japan is troubled by how the government uses english in particular it says the government uses computer or online translation too much researchers say many translations create strange and confusing words and expressions many of these are confusing to english speakers the researchers worry this could have a negative impact on japans tourist industry they even say the increasing amount of unsuitable words is becoming a national embarrassment in japan

the research team says computer software gives odd or incorrect translations for individual kanji the chinese characters used in japanese writing there are many examples of this including hello work the name for job centres and go to travel a plan to help tourism in japan during the covid19 pandemic the team says software creates unintentionally funny translations that could easily be corrected if they were just checked by an english speaker businesses also create this english the christmas message being used by the seibu sogo department store has raised eyebrows it says stay positive Many people believe this is the wrong thing to say during coronavirus and stay happy would be better

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

TherearemanytypesofEnglisharoundtheworld.Somewell-knownva
rietiesinAsiaincludeChinglishinChina,SinglishinSingaporeandJapan
eseEnglish.AgroupoflanguageexpertsinJapanistroubledbyhowtheg
overnmentusesEnglish.Inparticular,itsaysthegovernmentusescom
puteroronlinetranslationtoomuch.Researcherssaymanytranslations
createstrangeandconfusingwordsandexpressions.Manyofthesearec
onfusingtoEnglishspeakers.Theresearchersworrythiscouldhaveane
gativeimpactonJapan'stouristindustry.Theyevensaytheincreasinga
mountofunsuitablewordsisbecominga"nationalembarrassment"inJa
pan.Theresearchteamsayscomputersoftwaregivesoddorincorrecttr
anslationsforindividualkanji-theChinesecharactersusedinJapanes
ewriting.Therearemanyexamplesofthis,including"HelloWork"-th
enameforjobcentres,and"GoToTravel"aplantohelptourisminJapand
uringtheCOVID-19pandemic.Theteamsayssoftwarecreates,"uninte
ntionallyfunnytranslationsthatcouldeasilybecorrectediftheywerejus
tcheckedbyanEnglishspeaker".BusinessesalsocreatethisEnglish.Th
eChristmasmessagebeingusedbytheSeibuSogodepartmentstoreha
sraisedeyebrows.Itsays"StayPositive."Manypeoplebelievethisisthe
wrongthingtosayduringcoronavirusand"StayHappy"wouldbebetter.

Free writing

Write about Japanese English for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

British English should be the used all over the world. Discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Homework

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
3. JAPANESE ENGLISH: Make a poster about Japanese English. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. WORLD ENGLISH: Write a magazine article about making a world English with globally accepted spelling, grammar, pronunciation, etc. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on Japanese English. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your ideas on a world English. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

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News
Warm ups
Pre-reading / Post-reading
Using headlines
Working with words
While-reading / While-listening
Moving from text to speech
Post-reading / Post-listening
Discussions
Using opinions
Plans
Language
Using lists
Using quotes
Task-based activities
Role plays
Using the central characters in the article
Using themes from the news
Homework

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Answers

(Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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