Vocabulary:
- etiquette /ET-i-kit/
- consent /kuhn-SENT/
- commence /kuh-MENS/
- evaluate /ih-VAL-yoo-eyt/
- potent /POHT-nt/
[noun] the set of rules or customs that control accepted behavior in particular social groups or social situations
He had violated the etiquette by not informing his supervisors of his decision.
[noun] permission or agreement
Her parents declined to give consent to the marriage.
[verb] to begin something
We will commence with the plan in December this year.
[verb] to judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something
Do not evaluate one’s performance without any basis.
[adjective] powerful, persuasive, or effective
The managers started brainstorming potent ways to improve productivity.
Kyoto city begins its pilot project of advising foreign visitors of etiquette via smartphone. It ensued after the locals complained about the tourists’ improper conduct in the city, such as capturing images of geisha and their maiko without consent. The test commenced around Hanamikoji, a place where historic buildings and tea houses are located, in Gion district. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, along with the Kyoto city administration, started the project’s operations that will carry on until December 8 this year.
Foreigners who have a tourist guide app or bring mobile phones rented by hotels obtain information regarding local manners in both Chinese and English. Images captured from street cameras and a survey answered by the locals will be used to evaluate the outcome of the project. According to a Kyoto city government official, they are looking into various ways that are potent in handling issues related to cultural diversity.
Foreigners who have a tourist guide app or bring mobile phones rented by hotels obtain information regarding local manners in both Chinese and English. Images captured from street cameras and a survey answered by the locals will be used to evaluate the outcome of the project. According to a Kyoto city government official, they are looking into various ways that are potent in handling issues related to cultural diversity.
True or False:
- Tokyo city began a pilot project in monitoring tourists’ behavior in the city.
- The test will last until December 8 this year.
- The outcome of the project will be evaluated depending on the locals’ survey results.
- The pilot project started in Hanamikoji in Gion district.
- The tourist guide app provides information about local manners in English only.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion in regards to the pilot project launched in Kyoto city?
- Aside from being reminded of etiquette via smartphone, what do you think are other ways to remind foreign tourists of proper manner? Please explain your answer.
- What other places in Japan do you think should have this similar pilot project? Why?
- What do you think are the effects of not following a country’s culture?
- In your opinion, how do you think tourists can adjust to cultural differences?
Express Your Opinion:
- “To learn etiquette, is actually learning how to see others, and respect them.” — Yixing Zhang
- . “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” — Nelson Mandela
- “Respect is a two-way street, if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it.” — R.G. Risch