We have a bilingual friend, Emi. She speaks Japanese and Chinese and knows a lot about Chinese culture and customs. Today, we interviewed her about her life and how she is viewing about the similarities and differences between Japan and China in terms of culture or language. Let’s see their conversation!
Part 1 “Who is Emi?”
First of all, can I ask about your birthplace and where you grew up?
Ok. I was born in China and came to Japan three months later.
It’s so early.
Right. Ever since I came to Japan at that time, I’ve lived in Japan.
Then living in China for a long time isn’t the reason why you can speak Chinese fluently, is it?
No, actually.
So incredible and … terrifying a little bit.
Why?
Because you are too incredible. But I wanna just tell you that you are fantastic.
After you started living in Japan when you were three months old, do you have any opportunities to visit China during some vacations?
Yes, that’s right. I get back there around once a year.
So you have kind of your home in China too?
Yes. My grandparents’ house, for example. It’s like I’ve got back to China to meet them.
All right. By the way, where is your home in China?
I’m curious.
Shanghai.
Whoa!
Oh, I remember you said that the language in Shanghai is different from the others, so some Chinese words don’t make sense in Shanghai. You are a Shanghai-girl. Cool!
Are both your parents from China?
Yes.
Wow, I didn’t know that.
They were born in China but they were naturalized as Japanese citizens before I was born.
That means you are a Japanese person born in China?
Correct. So I don’t have a Chinese name.
Woow. I see!
To be continued….
About the guest Emi
Emi is an uni student, working as a fashion model. Also, she teaches Japanese people the Chinese language on Instagram, which is fantastic. Check out her instagram account from the links below.
えみさんは、ファッションモデルとしても活動されている、大学生です。また、インスタグラムでは、日本人向けに中国語を教えています。是非彼女のアカウントをチェックしてみてください！リンクは以下の通りです✨
Her Chinese Teaching Account: 独学で綺麗に話せる中国語＠えみ
Her Account as a fashion model: えみ