A warm welcome to you!

Welcome to the Invito, Nyelvóra! blog section, I'm so glad you're here! :)

On the blog you will find different cultural experiences, interesting articles or language practice exercises from different teachers, so it's worth checking back every week for new posts.

Let's start with a story that will give you a greater insight into everyday life in Japan.

In Japan, if you walk into a convenience store, you are greeted with a certain "irasshaimase" phrase. Yes, they shout. The first time I walked into one, I almost had a heart attack, I was so scared. They greet you in a loud, shrill voice to make sure you heard the greeting.

Out of reflex I shouted back to them "konnichiha" and then I saw them smiling. As I looked at the various Japanese drinks in bewilderment, I noticed that any customer coming into the shop would not say hello to the salesperson, they would look at them with contempt. So I learned that this is the normal reaction. As the months have gone by, I have noticed that quite a few people nod their heads, so it's a good habit for you to pick up when you visit Japan.

きょうはここまで。 おげんきで、 Paul