ラジオビジネス英語2021/07/23

Interview (4-8) 

 

And Im Jenny Silver.

Welcome to Business English for Global Competence.

 

Yes. Let's learn how to communicate effectively in business.

 

So, let's get started!

 

Listening point 1

 

Listening point 2

 

Okay. Let's listen to today's interview.

 

かなりの部分がテキストに表記されているので、テキストのご購入をお勧めします。

 


Words and Phrases

 

Signboard: A sign, a board that displays information to the public, such as traffic information.

 

Blend in with: To go unnoticed, to resemble others, to be a part of something. Mr. Shibata mentioned that students with disabilities blended in naturally with other students. In other words, they were able to participate in lessons and activities together.

 

Sound: Solid or stable, robust or strong. I mentioned that Germany is well-known for sound infrastructure or solid and reliable infrastructure.

 

Resulting: Coming from something, something that follows as a result of something else. In this case, "resulting" is used as an adjective.

 

Take for granted: ~を当然とのことと考える

 

Sidewalk: 歩道

 

Put into action: To put something into action means to start, to enact a plan, to begin to use something. I talked about providing information on accessibility. To put this into action or to make this information widely available is easier said than done.

 

Follow in the footsteps of: To do similar things that someone else did, to carry on something a person did. In the interviews, we saw that Mr. Grisdale wants the private sector to follow in the footsteps of the public sector or act in a similar manner to the public sector for accessibility.

 

No easy feat: A feat is an achievement that requires great strength, skill or courage.

For example, completing the project was no easy feat. It took so much time and effort. It was a miracle that we finished on time.

 

Raised flooring: Elevated flooring where you have to step up to enter. Mr. Shibata mentioned traditional Japanese architecture that uses raised flooring. This may include a stair or step up in order to enter the home or restaurant, especially the steps in many genkan or entry ways.

 

After all: In the end, for this reason, despite any doubts, considering the circumstances. "After all" can also be used to emphasize that what you have just said is true. I mentioned that accessibility is a matter for the whole society after all. The "after all" at the end provides emphasis and uses the sentence as reasoning.

 

Age: To age is to grow older. Mr. Shibata said, "As the population ages or gets older, the number of elderly people in wheelchairs should increase."

 

Stride: Progress. A stride is a long step. If you walk with long strides, your legs move quite far with each step, allowing you to go farther, faster. Using this same image, a stride is a boost of progress.

 

Be engaged: To interact, to be engaged within a community means to participate and be active within that community.

 

Ponder over: To think about something carefully for a long period of time. Mr. Shibata says in his ending statement, "Mr. Grisdale has given us an opportunity to ponder over or consider deeply what we should do toward a more inclusive society."

 

 

Yes. My mom came to Japan to visit me several years ago and we used "Accessible Japan" because she is a senior citizen.

 

What purpose did you use it?

 

We wanted to know if certain places would be comfortable for her because many places have stairs or you might have to sit on the floor. Both were uncomfortable for her. It was also great to know that beforehand so we didn't waste any time or energy. And also she's a very picky eater.

 

So what do you like about the site?

 

I like that there's useful information that you might not have thought about. For example, certain medicine and medical devices are crucial for my mother. But we didn't know that proper documentation was needed in order to bring them into Japan. Thanks to the information provided in Accessible Japan, we could go through all the necessary procedures in advance.

 

Right. What was your mom's reaction?

 

She was impressed that this information was being shared by so many people and it was a very welcoming feeling.

 

Ah-huh. And, eh, how was her staying in Japan?

 

Oh, it was great. We went to many places around Tokyo and she really enjoyed her time here. I think it's a testament to her experience that she's excited to come back. She really wants to see Kyoto and other places that are known for art, like sumie and ceramics.

 

 

 

See you next time. Bye!