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I usually teach English online on some platforms. Also, I teach Japanese privately to a Russian woman twice a week. She lives in Japan with her little son now, and her Japanese level is a beginner. She needs to learn Japanese as soon as possible. She can speak not only Russian but also English. One day, she sent me a message asking, “Would you teach me Japanese in English?” I was surprised. I have experience teaching Japanese to a Taiwanese woman whose level was quite high. Also, I met some foreign students at one of my working platforms. Some of them are very good at Japanese and asked me to conduct a free conversation class in Japanese. In short, I only taught higher-level students. So, it will be the first time I teach Japanese to a beginner. I replied back to her and said, “Okay. “ But I was worried. Is it possible for me to do that? I know how difficult teaching Japanese is. I started searching for a proper textbook used to teach. After the level check lesson, I decided to use the book “Marugoto” level A1.
After I started teaching, I faced some difficulties. For instance, when Japanese people visit someone’s house, they say, “Ojyamashimasu." The direct translation of this expression is “Sorry to disturb you,” but it really means “Thank you for inviting me,” according to the internet. I doubt this interpretation because the expression includes feelings of appreciation and a kind of apology. Maybe like, “Thank you for taking time for me, such as cleaning your house and serving tea. Also, I’m sorry to take your precious time and energy to accommodate me.” But it’s too long and hard to understand the nuance of the expression for people who have different cultures. Actually, I never thought of the meaning of “Ojyamashimasu” before. It was the usual wording and etiquette for me. When I was a kid, my mother taught me to say this before entering someone’s house, and I thought that was the way it was. As I am not a qualified Japanese teacher, I expect that I will struggle again and again. Happily, I enjoy this struggle. Teaching Japanese leads me to a lot of discoveries. Now, I’m looking forward to facing another Japanese expression that is difficult to explain.
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