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Obama Speeches Teach English, Hope to Japanese

Dem's speeches good for language-learners, more inspiring than local pols'

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2009 10:46 AM CST
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(Newser) – The Japanese version of Amazon.com features an unlikely bestseller: the collected speeches of Barack Obama, with Japanese translation and accompanying CD, Reuters reports. Obama’s inspiring but straightforward rhetoric is perfect for teaching English in a country that hankers to learn the language. He “uses words such as ‘yes, we can,’ ‘change’ and ‘hope’ that Japanese people can memorize,” the publisher says.

The affinity for Obama seems to go beyond the desire to learn English. “In Japan, we don't have politicians who have such a positive influence,” the publisher said. “That’s why we have to turn to a foreign president for someone in whom to place our hopes.” He said he receives postcards from readers who “cried even though they don’t understand English.”

Barack Obama waves to the crowd after his acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago.
Barack Obama waves to the crowd after his acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago.   (AP Photo)
A man walks past a stock board in Tokyo showing President Barack Obama at the inauguration ceremony in Washington today.
A man walks past a stock board in Tokyo showing President Barack Obama at the inauguration ceremony in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
Chief priest Shoryu Tamagawa with the Haga-ji temple visits a tent decorated with portraits of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama as this northern Japan city of Obama celebrates the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, which takes place hours later in Washington D.C., at a gathering at the...
Chief priest Shoryu Tamagawa with the Haga-ji temple visits a tent decorated with portraits of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama as this northern Japan city of Obama celebrates the inauguration of U.S....   (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)
A celebration in Obama, western Japan, after the general election.
A celebration in Obama, western Japan, after the general election.   (AP Photo)
New Mayor of Obama Koji Matsuzaki displays a thank-you letter sent from Barack Obama.
New Mayor of Obama Koji Matsuzaki displays a thank-you letter sent from Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
Obama smiles after his acceptance speech.
Obama smiles after his acceptance speech.   (AP Photo)
A man walks past a stock board in Tokyo showing Barack Obama.
A man walks past a stock board in Tokyo showing Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Jan 20, 2009 11:01 PM CST
Maybe Japanese need to learn to be active. Although hearing Obama-san last night was pretty cool. Course, someone reminded me it should have been Obama-sama, which sounds cool and hilarious.

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Barack Obama • Japan • language • English • translation • book • Japanese • foreign languages • Amazon.com • best seller • President Obama

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