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How to pronounce "Moët"

2017年2月9日 (木)

Today I thought I would share some thoughts about pronunciation.

Sometimes people see foreign words or names and guess about the pronunciation, but they may guess incorrectly.

For example, when I was growing up in America, my father was very interested in plants and gardening. He had hundreds of trees and plants around our home, and some of them were very small Japanese bonsai trees. He pronounced this word as “バンザイ” as I think most people do in America. However, you probably know that bonsai is pronounced “ボンサイ” in Japanese.

Many people have heard of the champagne maker Moët et Chandon. They are a part of the luxury company LVMH, and probably the most famous sparkling wine maker in the world. However, most English speakers, (and most Japanese speakers, too) pronounce their name incorrectly. “Moët” should correctly be pronounced with a “t” sound at the end, like “Mo-wett”. Maybe a good Japanese pronunciation would be “モエット”.

If you don’t believe me, check the French Wikipedia page about this company: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_Mo%C3%ABt_%26_Chandon.

How much should we try to pronounce foreign names correctly in our own languages? This is a difficult question, and I’m not sure I have the answer. However, I do know that English speakers do not usually try very hard to be correct. Japanese speakers, on the other hand, are much closer in many cases. I think ミュンヘン、イタリア、パリ、ブルゴーニュ and ナポリ are all closer to the original languages than Munich, Italy, Paris, Burgundy, and Naples. That’s why it is very interesting to me that Japanese people say モエ. It is even more interesting that, because SO many people say モエ, the company even changed its Japanese name to モエ.

Bicycle bicycle bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle!

2017年1月31日 (火)

I really think the Queen song  “Bicycle Race” was written about me, especially the lines “I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like”. I think for me though, it would be more appropriate to say “when I like” rather than “where I like”. Most of my students know that I LOVE riding in winter. In fact, I have just built my own snow bike. I usually ride between 20km and 30km a day. I am not sure what motivates me to do it other than the pure love for bikes. I was supposed to buy a car after passing my drivers test last year but I just can`t give up riding my bike… it is my addiction! Last night I called my dad and he always tells me that it is too dangerous to ride in winter but I assure him that its relatively safe. I wonder if anyone else has this passion? A few years ago I used to annually ride to Rishiri island, it was my favourite thing to do in summer, I even rode my bike to Akita once. I seem to be constantly evolving my bicycle love, one year it is touring, the next bmx, the next snow riding…I wonder what next year has in store for me. Anyway, thank you to all my students who worry about me in winter, I really appreciate all the kindness.

The American Nightmare

2017年1月28日 (土)

Hi folks, although I’m usually upbeat, I’ve been feeling pretty angry for the past week. The reason is simple: Donald J. Trump is now the 45th president of the United States of America.

I’m angry because, for the past half century, Americans have become increasingly ideologically polarized. A great part of this, I believe, is due to politicians on both sides manipulating voter emotions to further their own careers, as those of their friends. I’m angry because money is THE deciding factor in whose voice is heard in Washington, DC. I’m angry because, on the whole, Americans want the same things, but refuse to give up the illusion that a two-party duopoly will provide for them.

I’m also embarrassed. Trump’s election is the result of a national neurosis underpinned by the belief that fame, money and big opinions are prerequisites for leadership. America is no longer the “home of the brave”, nor the “land of the free”. It’s become a reality show…and it’s doomed to fail.

However, the optimist in me refuses to die. Sometimes we need these so-called historical arsonists to burn out the old wood, and make room for new growth. And that’s what I think is going to happen. Once this political dumpster fire has burned across the American landscape, I think we’ll see real movements for progressive change. We’ve just got to survive the four-year nightmare, first.

Some Like It Hot

2017年1月27日 (金)

This weeks film is a comedy classic from 1959 staring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe.

Its the story of two struggling musicians who happen to see the St. Valentine`s Day Massacre and end up on the run from the Mob. They escape by pretending to be women and join an all female jazz band. It was filmed in black and white to soften the look of the two lead male actors who looked too masculine when filmed in colour. Marilyn Monroe was famously terrible to work with during this movie with some scenes needing 60 takes or more. However it is, and remains, one of the best comedies to come out of Hollywood. It has a great script and fantastic performances by two comedians at the height of their powers. It also has great songs, and enough twists to keep the interest. I saw this some years ago but it is still well worth revisiting.

Review Score 10/10

Hobbies

2017年1月26日 (木)

Hello everyone!  Today I’d like to tell you about one of my many hobbies.  It may be surprising for you to read this, but I really enjoy cooking and baking.  I make a lot of different kinds of Japanese food and of course I also make other kinds of food too.  But actually baking is my specialty.  I have an old oven, but it’s pretty big so I can bake almost anything in it.  I can make cakes, cookies, muffins, pies and so on.  The only problem is, I really hate doing the dishes!!!  Anyway, if you have a favorite recipe you think I might like, please share it with me.