How to make an introduction in Japanese?

[ozmojo1]

Hello everyone. I have an interview in two days for the JET program and I have heard that it is common to have to make an introduction in Japanese. I was hoping people could give me some advice on what to say in japanese for this.

Also, can someone please translate:
I have a sister.
I have three pets.
I am 22 years old.

thank you so much, Rory

[JustInJapan]

dont trust the internet!

[amdg]

As you walk in the door say, "shit-su-rei-shi-masu".

1. Is she an older sister or a younger sister? It makes a difference.
2. "Petto sam bikki imasu".
3. "Watashii wa ni-ju ni-sai desu".

But, remember, they are NOT looking for your ability to speak Japanese. It don't mean nothin'. Much better just to talk to them in English about your (non-anime) Japanese cultural interests.

[akatsuka]

am i missing something? Why would you need to tell them you have 3 pets? And, trust me, dont make out you can speak japanese (however little) if you cant. They'll realise & wonder what else you are lying about.

[kamome]

I once acted as an interviewer for the JET Program and I don't recall asking any candidate to speak Japanese in an interview (unless the candidate represented beforehand that he/she spoke Japanese). As amdg said, if you can't speak Japanese, do not try to do it in the interview. It may very well backfire. My interview experience was a number of years ago, so check if the Japanese intro is truly a requirement or if it is just a rumor.

Better to be prepared to answer hypothetical questions about how you would react in certain situations, i.e., what you would do if, without warning, you were asked to lead a class 10 minutes before the class begins or what you would do to handle a disciplinary issue, etc. Another scenario to prepare for would be to give an impromptu lesson describing a popular holiday in your home country, how it is celebrated and the history behind that holiday.

[Charles]

am i missing something? Why would you need to tell them you have 3 pets? And, trust me, dont make out you can speak japanese (however little) if you cant. They'll realise & wonder what else you are lying about.

Yeah, this makes no sense. Imagine the English scenario, introducing yourself to a total stranger by saying "hello, my name is John Smith, I'm 22 years old and I have 3 pets and one sister."

I was going to write a brief explanation of the standard introduction in Japanese, but then I noticed the questioner's name is "[SIZE="5"]OZ[/SIZE]mojo1" so I figure the culturally appropriate method of introduction would be to chug a beer, puke all over yourself, then lay down to sleep in the nearest gutter.

[kurohinge1]

. . . I figure the culturally appropriate method of introduction would be to chug a beer, puke all over yourself, then lay down to sleep in the nearest gutter . . .

Don't worry ozmojo1, I think your username confused chuckles because he probably has a half-sister called 'mo-ho and maybe his family act the way he describes. That would explain a lot.



Apart from chuckles' rant, the rest of the previous posts should help you. Just be polite and talk in English - they're probably the two main qualities they're looking for.

Good luck.

[Greji]

I once acted as an interviewer for the JET Program and I don't recall asking any candidate to speak Japanese in an interview (unless the candidate represented beforehand that he/she spoke Japanese).

Just let me guess, you only interviewed the birds, right?

Actually, I think what everyone is saying is true. Unless, they lay a Japanese requirement for the job on beforehand, it will not be relevant. It would obviously be a plus, but they should not subtract for non-fluency.

As others have also posted, claiming fluency and later to be shown lacking, can only come back to bite you. If there are "Old Japan Hands" asking the questions, they tend to be hard nose about "upstarts" claiming Japanese ability, and could dock you some points.


So I would think that it woud be better not to use Japanese unless they demand it. After all, you are not being hired to teach J-go!
JMHO

[kamome]

Just let me guess, you only interviewed the birds, right?

I would have if I had control of the process! ] If there are "Old Japan Hands" asking the questions, they tend to be hard nose about "upstarts" claiming Japanese ability, and could dock you some points.
[/quote]

Spoken like a true "Old Japan Hand".

[Greji]

[quote="kamome"]ISpoken like a true "Old Japan Hand".]

Got that one right Bird. I've been here longer than dirt, but it doesn't mean I have to buy all that "Old Japan Hand" gar-bage"!

[ozmojo1]

thanks for the advice everyone. at the interview they didnt ask me to speak a single of japanase. the reason i asked how to say those things was because i heard you may be asked to make a self introduction as if in front of a group of small kids.

in the end the interviewers ask only a few questions i forsaw and a lot of prep was for nothing. better safe than sorry though. as far as it going well or not....i have no idea and that bothers me. i will just have to wait a while and see....

thanks again