ビジネスマンに捧ぐ～　英語学習に役立つ！PEGL事務局ブログ -15ページ目

BI#18 【Go through the proper channels】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第18回の本日は”Go through the proper channels”です。

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Business Idioms #18

Go through the proper channels

Go through the proper channels – to do something the right way, by speaking to the right people, recognizing the company structure. Two employees from different sections are discussing an idea that they think will help the company but before going forward they need to speak to their supervisors.

“It is a good suggestion but I need to go through the proper channels before I can act on it.”

Conversation 1

Employee 1: I hear that your department is a little slow right now as you wait for that big order. Is that true?

Employee 2: Yes, the order is being held up by the client’s design team, it may be another month before we can get started. Why do you ask?

Employee 1: Well my team is short-handed until the new hires arrive in April and I was thinking that we could cover the shortage with some of your team. That way I don’t need to hire temporary staff from an agency.

Employee 2: That makes sense and I know the team would love to be doing something, I think we need to go through the proper channels though as HR will need to be involved. Why don’t we take the idea to our bosses and see what they say?

Conversation 2

Manager: James, if you have a minute I would like to see you in my office.

Employee: I am free right now, is there something wrong?

Manager: Not really. I just left a meeting with the Executive team and was surprised to hear about your proposal to share staff. It sounds very promising but I was disappointed that you didn’t speak to me about it first,

Employee: Oh, I am sorry about that. I made a comment casually when I bumped into the Director of HR at lunch. I didn’t realize that it would go forward. It probably seems that I did not go through the proper channels but it was not intentional.

Manager: I see. Thank you for explaining, I thought it must be something like that. You have always been comfortable speaking to me. Thank you for the idea though, it sounds like the bosses like it.

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英語のライティングを添削してもらう方法②～Mail Pal

先週、英語のライティングを
ネイティブに添削してもらえるサイト
Lang-8（ランゲート）をご紹介しましたが、
http://ameblo.jp/pegl/day-20100526.html

そちらは無料な半面、

添削してもらえる保証がない
自分も添削しないとならない
添削してくれる人は素人（英語教師ではない）
サイトにアクセスできないことが多い

などなど、欠点が色々ありました。

そこで今日は、
そのような欠点のない、ただし有料の英文添削サイト
Mail Pal（メールパル）をご紹介します。

▽Mail Pal（メールパル）のHP
http://www.mail-pal.com/index.html

このサイトは「Mail Pal＝文通友達」の名前の通り
好きな講師を選んでメールを送ると
そのメールの返信をもらえるのと同時に
送ったメールを添削してもらえる、
という文通形式のサービスになっています。

ただし、
単に文通相手が欲しいだけで添削がいらない人や
文通はどうでもいいからライティングの添削が欲しい人向けの
コースも用意されているので
自分に合ったサービスを選択することができます。

先生は全て英語教授法資格を持った
ネイティブ英語講師、というのがウリになっており

また、日本語サポートも受けられるのが
英語に自信のない人には心強い味方になりそうです。

気になるお値段は・・

返信＆添削コース：１００語ごとに1,000円
単なる返信コース：２００語ごとに1,000円
単なる添削コース：２００語ごとに1,000円

と、まあまあお手頃な設定です。

しかし、このサイトにもそれなりに欠点があります。

添削が完了するのに３営業日かかる
１回に最大４００語までの制限がある
契約書など、専門性の高い英文は扱ってもらえない
講師は、英語教授法資格は持っているかもしれないが
　ビジネス経験を持っているかは微妙
　→ビジネス文書の添削を依頼するのは不安

ということで、

「急ぎのビジネス文書で字数の多いものを
　すぐに添削してもらいたい！」という

ビジネスパーソンにありがちなニーズには
マッチしませんが、

それ以外の時に
ちょっと利用してみるのは面白そうですよ。

事務局・山田

Lost in Translation Part.29 リベンジ

和製英語と英語の違いを説明するシリーズLost in Translation
第29回の本日は”リベンジ”です。

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Lost in Translation Part 29

リベンジ(Redemption)

With the World Cup coming up pretty soon, I thought that revenge might be a good topic to talk about in the often emotional- and sometimes underhanded- shenanigans that take place during heated soccer games.

In Japanese, リベンジ would most likely be applied to a previously losing team winning a game against their former opponent. For example, if Japan plays the same team that they lost to in the previous Cup and won, they would have exacted リベンジ. In English, we would say that the Japanese team has redeemed themselves, or they have won redemption.

In the English meaning of revenge- as opposed to the Japanese meaning- the word implies redemption in a negative way. For example, if someone seemingly kicks another player purposely, the victim might take aim at the perpetrator’s head the next time he kicks the ball in his direction. For most people, this seems childish, but also possible justifiable.

So, remember the next time you would like to say, “I hope that we can redeem ourselves in the next match,” that you don’t accidentally say, “Let’s get revenge.” You might be looked down upon by English speakers who fear you are looking to harm someone.
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※The English described in this blog is from an American perspective. Cultural reactions and vocabulary might be different in other countries like Canada, Britain and Australia.

BI#17 【Cross a bridge when you come to it】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第17回の本日は”Cross a bridge when you come to it”です。

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Business Idioms #17

Cross a bridge when you come to it

cross the bridge when you come to it – is basically a response to a question that is raised prematurely (before it is necessary.) A problem that might happen in the future does not need to be solved until it is actually a real problem. Often there are other problems (bridges) to solve before the one that has been raised.

“What are we going to call our new product? I think it should be the X3000.”

“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. First we need to design the prototype and make sure that it works!”

Conversation 1

Employee: I would like to know about the companies’ severance package and what they offer in the way of training for employees who are laid off.

Manager: Why do you want that information? We haven’t announced any layoffs.

New employee: Maybe not but the economy is terrible and the every can see that business is not going well so I want to make sure I am covered when layoffs start.

Manager: Listen, let’s cross that bridge when we get to it. For now we need to concentrate on doing our job and increase sales. If we do that everything will be just fine.

Conversation 2

Manager 1: I have a bad feeling about the monthly board meeting. After last week’s sales figures I think we are in trouble. I have started to compile a list of staff who I think we should offer early retirement to.

Manager 2: Early retirement? I think it is a little early for planning to downsize. Why don’t we cross that bridge when we get to it. Until then we should be focused on improving our results and boosting employee morale.

Manager 1: I hope you are right about downsizing. I really don’t want to lose anyone.

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英語のライティングを無料で添削してもらう方法～Lang-8

今日は、英語のライティングを
ネイティブに無料で添削してもらえるサイト
Lang-8（ランゲート）をご紹介します。

▽Lang-8（ランゲート）のHP
http://lang-8.com/

このサイトはSNS方式になっていて、
英語で日記を書いて投稿すると
同じサイトに登録している英語のネイティブが
添削してくれる仕組みになっています。

公開されている添削の一例をちょっとみてみると・・・

ペットショップに犬を３時間預けて
ヘアカットしてもらった人の日記に

I left him in the pet shop for three hours.

↑こう書いてあったところ、

↓このように添削されている具合です。

I left him with the pet shop for three hours.
(If you say "left him with the pet shop" it means you left in the pet shops care, but if you say "left him in the pet shop" it means you just left him in the building.

細かい点までチェックしてくれて、
間違った表現と正しい表現の違いまで説明があり、
丁寧に添削してくれているのが分かりますね。

　　　　　

登録は無料なので
自分のライティングを気軽にネイティブにチェックしてもらう
絶好のチャンスになると思います。

ぜひ利用されてみてはいかがでしょう？

Twitter（ツイッター）と連動しているので
ここで書いた日記をTwitterに自動投稿することも出来ますよ。

ただし！

Lang-8はSNSで相互添削型なので、
ただ英語で日記を書いているだけではいけません。

日本語を勉強していて日本語で日記を書き、
添削を待っている外国人が沢山いますので
積極的に添削してあげて、友達を増やしていきましょう。

それが自分の日記を添削してくれる人を増やすコツです。
（添削してあげないと、自分の日記も
　誰も添削してくれないかもしれません・・・）

あと１つ難点を言えば、
サーバーにアクセスが集中して
サイトが使えない状態になっている時が結構頻繁にあること。

無料なのでその点は我慢して、
日記を書いて、誰かの日記を添削したら
気長に待ってみてください。

事務局・山田

Lost in Translation Part.28 テンション

和製英語と英語の違いを説明するシリーズLost in Translation
第28回の本日は”テンション”です。

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Lost in Translation Part 28

テンション (Intensity)

The word テンション in Japanese is a word that is lost on most foreigners when hearing it in the Japanese context. It is very similar to the English word- intensity- in meaning, but it is just different enough for foreigners not to understand.

In Japanese, テンション might be explained as an intense or excited positive condition.

In the English usage, it might be most often used in sports or political debates.

In English, however, tension is used to describe situations in which two groups are at odds with each other. In business, this might be between a worker and his boss, or between two companies that must work together on a project, but are encountering problems.

Another common usage of the term tension in English is to describe political unrest in various countries. For example, in Bangkok, there is a lot of tension between the Red Shirts and the ruling government. In addition, there is a lot of apprehension amongst foreign investors that would like to invest in Thailand, but are worried about the unrest.

Therefore, you can see that the subtle difference between tension and intensity in English. Tension has a negative experience while intensity can be positive. Keep this in mind the next time you would like to commend someone’s intensity.

Useful Phrases:

“In Thailand, the tension between the Red Shirts and the government is immense.”
“This is a great basketball game! The game is really intense!”
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※The English described in this blog is from an American perspective. Cultural reactions and vocabulary might be different in other countries like Canada, Britain and Australia.

Business Idioms#16 【Not my cup of tea】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第16回の本日は”Not my cup of tea”です。

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Business Idioms #16
Not my cup of tea

Not my cup of tea – not something I like to do or enjoy doing. Used to describe something you would prefer not to do. Often used as an explanation as to why you don’t want to do something.

“Thank you for inviting me but honestly you should ask someone else as opera is just not my cup of tea.”

Conversation 1

Manager: I need someone to entertain our new partners during thei visit to Tokyo next week. Any volunteers? How about you Mr. Suzuki?

Employee: Thank you Mr. Takahashi. I would be delighted to help but I think maybe Ishikawa-san should take the lead on this as I just moved to Tokyo 3 months ago.

Manager: OK, understood but I will need you to coordinate the visit, book restaurants, make hotel reservations and look after their transportation needs.

Employee: I will do my best, but I should warn you that playing tour guide is not really my cup of tea.

Conversation 2

Manager: That was a great presentation, very good work James.

Employee: Thanks. I am really relieved that it went well. Giving presentations has never been my cup of tea.

Manager: Well you seemed very comfortable today. I would never have known you were nervous.

Employee: Thanks again, hopefully the client hires us.

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TOEICの学習サポートサイトを活用しよう！

TOEICの受験日チェックや、オンライン申込に
TOEICのHPを利用したことのある方は多いと思いますが、

TOEICが学習サポートサイト
「TOEIC Square」
http://www.toeic.or.jp/square/?eno=08101416
も運営しているのをご存知ですか？

このサイトでは
スコア別の学習アドバイスやトレーニング素材など、
学習に直接役立つ情報から

有名人の英語ライフ紹介や「英語でセリフ」グランプリなど、
楽しく学習モチベーションをアップするような情報まで
多くのコンテンツが無料で提供されています。

今日はそのTOEIC Squareから
TOEICがオススメしている３つのコンテンツをご紹介します！

１．スピーキング力とライティング力を診断できるコーナー
　　「英語力チェック」
http://www.toeic.or.jp/square/prsw/check/index.html

このコーナーではスピーキング力とライティング力について
各１２問の質問に答えると

診断結果として
「現在の実力」・「次の目標」が表示され、
続いて「学習アドバイス」までもらうことができます。

２．TOEICカレンダー
http://www.toeic.or.jp/square/basic/widget/

これは、PCのデスクトップに置いておくだけで
以下のような便利な機能が使えるツールです。

●毎日「リスニング力」「単語力」「文法力」を鍛える
　トレーニング問題が３問ずつ配信される。
　これは１日５分あれば学習が可能！
●TOEICの試験日・申込締切日を簡単にチェックできる
●試験日までの日数をカウントダウンできる
●TOEICの新しい情報をいち早く受け取れる

３．English Upgrader
http://www.toeic.or.jp/square/basic/podcast/

これは、ビジネスや日常など、
さまざまな状況で使われる会話表現を
楽しく学習できるPodcastです。

ネイティブスピーカーの会話の後に解説がつくので、
生きた表現に触れることができます。

TOEICのスコアアップを目指している方もそうでない方も
「TOEIC Square」
ぜひ活用してみてはいかがですか？

また、今日ご紹介したような内容は
個人向けのTOEICインターネットサービスに登録すれば
定期的にメルマガで届きますので
こちらもオススメですよ！

http://www.toeic.or.jp/ispr/?eno=1008

事務局・山田

Lost in Translation Part.27 ソフト

和製英語と英語の違いを説明するシリーズLost in Translation
第27回の本日は”ソフト”です。

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Lost in Translation Part 27
ソフト (Software)

Japan is a very advanced society with millions of electronics and different technologies. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that Japan uses a lot of ソフト. Though the meaning is sometimes obvious and the words are very similar, foreigners are often confused when Japanese talk about soft.

For Japanese people, ソフト would be any program for computers or game consoles. One example of this would be Windows.

For native-English speakers, however, soft means a feeling. For example, a pillow is soft. Another example would the fur of a fluffy dog. The dog’s fur is soft.

If you would like to talk about ソフト, you must use the word software. Again, even though the words are very similar, it will cause foreigners to be confused. Don’t worry too much, though. If you should happen to forget software, foreigners can usually understand your meaning after thinking carefully about the context of your conversation. However, to make the conversation to more smooth, it is important to remember small differences like this.

An additional note to keep in mind is the small difference in meaning between ソフト and software. ソフト can be used to describe both computer software and game console ‘software’. However, when we are using the English word, software, we cannot use it for the game console. We must call those games video games. If you said, “I bought new software for my Xbox,” most foreigners wouldn’t understand what you meant because they know that there is no software for Xbox- only video games.

If you keep this in mind when you are talking about the newest computer software or video games, you will be able to avoid one of the most common points of confusion between Japanese and English. Good luck!

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※The English described in this blog is from an American perspective. Cultural reactions and vocabulary might be different in other countries like Canada, Britain and Australia.

Business Idioms#15 【Sell like hotcakes】

職場で役立つイディオムを紹介するシリーズBusiness Idioms (B.I.)
第15回の本日は”Sell like hotcakes”です。

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Business Idioms #15
Sell like hotcakes

Sell like hotcakes – to sell really well. When people order hotcakes they do not order one, they expect several at the same time. An order of hotcakes would probably be 3-6 at one time. If you were selling 3-6 laptop computers to every customer you would be pleased with sales.

“I am really happy to report that the new ZR3000 cameras are selling like hotcakes.”

Conversation 1

Manager: How is the new line of cameras selling?

Employee: They are selling like hotcakes. Customers were lined up when I arrived for work this morning.

Manager: Terrific. Can you contact the company and see if we can order more, I would hate to run out.

Employee: I have already called, a new order will arrive on Monday.

Conversation 2

Manager: I notice that we are sold out of the new Nintendo game console, what happened? Did we not order enough?

Employee: We ordered as many as we could get, they simply sold like hotcakes.

Manager: That is great but we need to get more right away, we don’t want our customers going to the competition because we don’t have any left.

Employee: We are on it. We are expected more to arrive tomorrow morning.
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