Engineering and the Language Barrier

[bishopthomas]

For those of you who travel overseas, how do you cope with differences in language? I'm going to Japan for the first time as FOH for a band and am thinking I need to learn some key phrases besides the hello's and thank you's ("Do you have any more SM57's?"). We'll have an agent, but for every day interactions between BE and house techs I want things to go as smoothly as possible. Any good web sites for a crash course (two week tour in November)?

[Jules]

A FOH friend of mine in Japan for the first time with a fairly big act, drew a stage plan at 4 am drunk off his ass on a beer mat in a night club to show the local guy, next day everything was set up PERFECTLY for him, just as he scribbled. He was very impressed!!!

So, pen and paper drawings might be the most foolproof way.. .. but we all remember Spinal Tap's 'Stonehenge.." so your mileage may vary..

[Remoteness]

Call my buddy, Kaz Noda.
I'm sure he can set you in the right direction.
PM me for his number if you don't already have it.

[bishopthomas]

Thanks, Jules. I will be sure to drink heavily before making new stage plots! And Steve, I will definitely be calling Kaz. He said he may be there during that time. How awesome would that be to meet up with him on the other side of the planet!

[Remoteness]

Sweet!

[phil.]

PM me anytime. I live in Japan for the last three years, recording classical on location. Maybe we can do a crash course via email or meet up when you are here....eitherway, we'll get you ready for some japanese FOH action, no worries!!!

A little Gearslutz gathering in Japan with Kaz.....very fine idea!!

Best,

Phil.

[kaz noda]

Hey Thomas, it's awesome that you're going to Japan. (Unfortunately, I might not be there in this summer though). But of course, I can help you somehow. Language. I know it's tough. Especially, learning Japanese will take some years. Don't worry about it. Most Japanese people in our business want to learn English. Means some people especially young Engineers will try to speak to you in English from them. Find the one who you think like to have language exchange. They will speak to you in English and will teach you piece of Japanese words,believe me. You might even be happy if the one is cute Japanese girl!! (Then talk about me if you needed!?) Anyway, the key is you're the one start to make a conversation. Because some people are afraid to speak English or just shy. But does not means they don't want to so....The name of microphones.. they all same. they're English anyway. So you don't need to translate all the equipments(How convenient it is!!). You just need to speak slowly and clearly. I was working no problem when my English skill was poor before come to US. It actually was having fun to work without Japanese in Japan.
If you have any questions, email me anytime. There's so much fun in that country. Foods,Drinks,People,Cities............
I'll talk to you soon. Thomas!!

[bishopthomas]

Kaz comes out of the Gearslutz shadows! Thanks for the helpful advice. A language partner would be a great idea if I can find time for that. I had heard that many people speak English a little but are too shy to do so. After they hear my Japanese they will realize that their English is far superior!

Thanks for everyone's advice so far.

[LX3]

I'm not working in Japan, but a job here in London for a Japanese client went to pieces primarily because of the language barrier. I think the difficulty they had in explaining themselves led them to not bothering to tell me some critical information... Which resulted in the job going to someone else... but only after I'd done three weeks preproduction.

Next time I'm hiring a translator, to ensure that both parties are clearly understood.

[kingneeraj]

Hey - I just moved to TOKYO YEsterday!!! so you can contact me if you need any help....

i grew up in KOBE, JAPAN so i speak fluently....