Two of our grandkids spent 4 years on Okinawa when their dad was stationed there. They both attended a Japanese pre school and, one year of kindergarten. They became fairly proficient in conversational Japanese. I never understood why they became so averse to using it after they came back. There is plenty of opportunity to use it in Tucson. They can still understand it and translate for us, but they won't engage in conversation with other Japanese speakers. Kinda sad.

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

That's very interesting, Gunny. What sort of job does she have? Who are her clients? Are there lots of Ukranian speakers in your area? Isn't John Morris' daughter training in that area for the Army? People who deal with languages fascinate me. 

My wife teaches English to students all over the world online.  Not any Ukrainian speakers where we live directly but 30 miles north some can be found.

 

 

10 minutes ago, Gunny said:

My wife teaches English to students all over the world online.  Not any Ukrainian speakers where we live directly but 30 miles north some can be found.

 

 

ESL online. Now, that can't be easy. When I was working, that job occasionally fell to me. I was always very happy when someone trained in that area took over. Your wife, as you know, is an exceptional lady.

18 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

ESL online. Now, that can't be easy. When I was working, that job occasionally fell to me. I was always very happy when someone trained in that area took over. Your wife, as you know, is an exceptional lady.

Through her work I have a small side gig translating terms and instructions for a machine manufacturer in Russia.  Lena lacked the subject matter knowledge I have after 30 years working in automotive.  Met some very interesting people and have several offers to come visit anytime.

 

Thanks for the compliment on my wife. She is indeed an exceptional woman.  Now what motivated her to marry me?  Have no clue.

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

They can still understand it and translate for us, but they won't engage in conversation with other Japanese speakers. Kinda sad.

Wanna bet they got made fun of for not speaking perfect Japanese?  Be my guess.

2 hours ago, Gunny said:

My wife teaches English to students all over the world online.  Not any Ukrainian speakers where we live directly but 30 miles north some can be found.

 

 

Maybe I should sign up. As a young man when i filled out job applications there was always a question asking if you spoke a foreign language. I always answered "yes", and then when it was asked what language that was  I would put "English".

3 hours ago, HandyDan said:

Wanna bet they got made fun of for not speaking perfect Japanese?  Be my guess.

That's a possibility. 

17 hours ago, Gunny said:

Through her work I have a small side gig translating terms and instructions for a machine manufacturer in Russia.

 

So you're the guy that tells us, while assembling the tool, to shirley the lines while strengthening the bolts?

17 hours ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Maybe I should sign up. As a young man when i filled out job applications there was always a question asking if you spoke a foreign language. I always answered "yes", and then when it was asked what language that was  I would put "English".

Now, mate, that's just daft.  Don't be a wanker.