[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by Aniki

Obviously speaking to you would be the same as talking to a wall, since you have NO idea what it means to have a second official language in a monocultural country.

I have to say that is the first time I have ever had that phrase applied to me. And quite honestly, I`m quite taken aback by it.

This is how I see the presence of English as the second official language in Japan. English will lose the status of a 'chosen' second language and starting from elementary school everyone will be taught no matter they want it or not.

Surprise surprise. It is already taught from elementary school whether you like it or not. Let me go a bit further - it`s taught even in preschool and kindergarten.

And being an "official" language in going to be used in courts, government meetings, food products, documents (of any kind) and other merchandise will be printed in both languages, all street signs, advertisement sign boards will have both languages in them, same goes for the media foreign movies will dubbed in Japanese with English subs and otherwise.

An interesting scenario - but tell me, how will it be able to be used in courts, government meetings, etc if those involved in the meetings do not speak it? You`re speaking of a scenario which requires something that is not present. It`s sort of a catch-22. In order to be used in government meetings and in any official context, the officials have to be proficient in the language. In order for the officials and those involved to be truly proficient and to switch over in any short time they would have to be in an environment pushing them (more than present) to learn and use English. In other words, they would have to already be in the environment you are outlining. But in order to make that environment.... See? It goes in a circle.

Japan is not about to be colonized by an English speaking country, nor is it about to have a government instated by one.

Now imagine a kid being born 10 years after "in such Japan", and think how hard will English be for him to learn when it's so evident in everyday life?

Obviously it will be easier for someone to learn English in that environment. The problem is, first of all, that environment does not exist.

But the biggest problem I think is that you did not say that in your previous message. You said, quite clearly, that English is an easier language than Japanese - citing the alphabet as proof.
それ、逆鱗に触れる発言で食い下がるに決まってる。許 せない。自分の言ってる事の意味を分からずに突っかか っても痛くも痒くもない。何言われたって譲れないよ。
君、何様のつもりでいるのかわからん。だが、私言語学 者なんだからな・・・

I don`t think English should be a second language in Japan in any official context. It seems that we agree on that point. However, "losing Japanese heritage" isn`t my concern. It just makes absolutely no sense to do so.