I gave an English class at a high school today. Among my new students, there is a girl who speaks very good English. She told me that her father spoke only in English to her.
I asked her, "Is he a Japanese ？"
She said "yes".
" Does he speak English not only at home but also outside like in the restaurant ？"
She said yes again.
I was curious．
" Since when has it been like that?"
She said,"I've never spoken Japanese with my father... so since I was a baby..."
I couldn't help but ask "What does he do？"
"He teaches English at a university."
Of course he does.
...and he proved to be right. She got what other students who have Japanese parents can't get...very natural, fluent English.
I know it's something I have been wanting to do for such a long time. I've tried, but given up. Maybe something in me like my determination, courage, commitment was not enough to carry out "this whole English environment creating master plan ".
I really wish my daughter to be bilingual . I gotta do something before it's too late.
I told her about this girl, and asked her how she would feel if I had done the same thing as the girl 's father.
She paused.
" Would you feel embarrassed if I spoke English outside？I'm sure we'll get a lot of attention."I said．
To my surprise, her answer was...
"That's ok. I love attention!"