Quote:
Originally Posted by GypsySoul22
I'm living in an apartment complex and see this lady all the time with her little daughter walking around, looking bored. She says hi and bye but I think she is from Japan and doesn't speak much English.
I've been there (bored Mom with a little kid). I also would like to be friendly to her but I don't know how to be friendly to someone from Japan who cannot understand me.
I'm from out of the area, too (different state) so I don't know many people.
I don't want to offend her but I used to be a teacher and also volunteered doing ESL (English as a Second Language). I feel so sorry for people who are isolated not knowing English.
How should I approach her without being offensive? What if I gave the little girl a book from my son (ABCs) to 'break the ice." Should I just say hi and bye and mind my business? I have heard Japanese people are very 'closed' and don't like to be bothered.
Any comments? Anyone who knows how adult Japanese women meet and interact?
I do have a dog and the little one likes to see her.
Anyone know any simple words I can say in Japanese?
|
Don't assume she's Japanese until you find out.
Do you bake? You could bake some cookies and bring some to her.
Is your son the same age as her daughter? If so, have him give the book to her. That is a great ice breaker for not only you, but for the kids as well.
Let us know how it goes.