When to Switch to English: Life as a Foreigner in Japan

If you’re from continental Europe, this story will probably sound familiar.

A tourist comes up and tries to ask a question in your native language. Clearly, the extent of their knowledge is twelve words gleaned from an app, with absolutely no understanding of grammar or syntax. They compensate for ability with volume. Clearly, this conversation is doomed.

That is, until you piece together in your mind the remnants of Mrs. Thislebottom’s teachings and, with a confident smirk, reply, “Do you speak English?”

They sigh in relief. You explain the route to the nearest Starbucks and send them on their way with your head held high. Your polyglotism has saved the day. Hurray for English!

That is, as long as you’re talking to a tourist. As a migrant, the scenario looks a bit different. Let me share a true story that happened to me recently, after four and a half years living in Japan.

Crumbling under the weight of poor assumptions

Imagine this scenario: You’ve been living abroad for half a decade. Through tireless study and lots of trial and error, you’ve painstakingly managed to acquire a solid working knowledge of the local language. You find work at a local company. You use the language on a daily…