2013年12月号-　エイゴパス英会話レッスン　月刊ニュースレター

| 月間ニュースレター |
英語ニュース Current Internet NEWS!!　＜新着ネットニュース＞
英語のビデオ Video News (Domestic and World Events／国内＆世界の動画ニュース)
Business English ＜ビジネス英語フレーズ＞
Grammar Study＜今月の文法学習＞
TOEICクイズ TOEIC Study Quiz＜ＴＯＥＩＣテスト＞
Monthly Column – ＜今月のコラム＞
 
   
—You can read the article below and use it in your lessons to discuss with your teacher. — この記事を読んで先生とレッスンで話し合おう！
Japan News

Territorial Dispute Between Japan and South Korea Escalates into Textbooks

A new side story in the territorial and naming dispute between Japan and South Korea was introduced in the Virginia Senate, as it passed a bill to require future school textbooks to carry both names used by the Japanese and South Korean governments for the waters between Japan and the Korean Peninsula.

If the bill is signed into law by Governor Terry McAuliffe, the textbooks would include "East Sea," used by the South Korean government, in addition to the widely used "Sea of Japan,” which is formally recognized by the U.S. government.

While the Japanese government maintains the Sea of Japan is the only internationally established name for the sea, in recent years, the South Korean government has pressed for other countries to use the East Sea more vocally.

In the wake of the bill being introduced, Kenichiro Sasae, the Japanese ambassador to the United States, has been promoting the Japanese position in occasions including a meeting with McAuliffe in a bid to prevent final enactment of the bill.

Some counties in Maryland have already decided to teach students both the Japanese and South Korean names for the waters, despite objections from the Japanese government.
 

日本と韓国の政府が領有権を争う中、アメリカのバージニア州の議院は、将来の学校の教科書に両国が独自に呼称している日本と朝鮮半島の間の海域の名を必要とする法案を可決した。

法案がマコーリフ州知事の署名により成立した場合、教科書には韓国政府が呼称している「東海」と米国政府によって認識されていると同時に国際的に広く使用されている名称「日本海」が含まれることになる。

日本政府は、「日本海」は当海域の唯一の国際的に確立した名称であると強調しているが、韓国政府は近年、他の国に「東海」の名称を使用するように推している。

議院での法案提案後、駐米日本大使佐々江健一郎氏は同法案の最終的な成立を防止する為、マコーリフ州知事との会談などを行い、日本政府の立場を推進し続けている。

日本政府からの異議にも関わらず、隣のメリーランド州の一部の郡では、すでに同海域の名称に関して、「東海」と「日本海」の両方を教えている
dispute 争い、議論、論争、口論
pass a bill 法案を通過（可決）
formally

正式に、公式に

recognized 認められている、認識
pressed 推す、追求する
vocally 主張する、声に出して
inthe wake of ～に続いて、～を受けて、～をきっかけに
promoting 進める、進展させる、推進する
enactment （法律の）制定
despite にもかかわらず
objections 意義、反対、抗議
   
 
 
Japan News:

The Latin term "status quo" — originally "statu quo" — gets quite a workout in diplomatic circles. Used generally to mean "as things are now," in international relations it is a loaded term, representing what some nations fight to uphold on the one hand, and what some nations want to alter or overthrow on the other. The status quo is a concept over which past battles have been fought, both in word and deed. Nowadays, however, the international community will not forgive attempts to alter the status quo through the use or threat of armed force.

In recent days, China has caused serious waves in the international community by unilaterally establishing a new air defense zone over the East China Sea. China has said that it will scramble fighter aircraft if any plane enters the new zone without obeying regulations set by China for use of the airspace. As the new "defense zone" also covers the Senkaku Islands — controlled by Japan but claimed by China — it was natural that Japanese government issued an immediate demand that the zone be repealed.

The United States also weighed in on the issue, calling the Chinese move an attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo in the East China Sea. The U.S. has already stated that the Senkaku Islands are covered by the Japan-U.S. security guarantee, and has called on China to show restraint. Taiwan and South Korea have also taken Beijing to task over its unilateralism.

The Western media in particular has heaped criticism on the Chinese move, calling it "reckless brinksmanship," "irresponsible gamesmanship," and "provocative." With the new air defense zone, China was likely aiming at least in part to put pressure on Japan over the Senkaku issue. The zone, however, has also apparently invited the displeasure of Southeast Asian countries, which have themselves been pressured and threatened militarily by China over competing claims to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

A certain British diplomat said that "they" appear to value creating fear rather than trust, and that they consider themselves hard done by when frightened neighbors band together to oppose them. This certain British diplomat is no longer with us, as he was speaking not of China, but of Imperial Germany on the eve of World War I. To put his words another way, attempts to alter the status quo by force invite isolation, as it did for Germany before the catastrophe of 1914-1918 — a war, we must point out, that nobody really wanted but that happened after the assassination of a single member of the Austrian nobility.

The unilateral establishment of the expanded "air defense zone" invites the possibility of unexpected — even accidental — clashes between the forces of China and its neighbors. To put it another way, it risks the peace of East Asia, and is not the act of a responsible great power in the 21st century.

 
 
ラテン語の外交用語に「ステータス・クオ」がある…

ラテン語の外交用語に「ステータス・クオ」がある。「現状」という意味で、国際関係ではいつも現状を維持したい国と、変更したい国とがせめぎ合う。だが現代では平和が続く現状を変えるのに武力やその威嚇（いかく）を用いるのは許されない.

東シナ海で中国が一方的に設定した防空識別圏が国際的な波紋を呼んでいる。圏内を飛行する航空機が中国の定める規則に従わない場合には戦闘機の緊急発進を行うというが、そこに沖縄県の尖閣諸島が含まれるとあっては日本政府が直ちに撤回を求めたのは当然だ.

またこれを「東シナ海の一方的な現状変更の試み」と批判したのは米国である。米政府は尖閣諸島が日米安保の適用範囲内であると改めて確言し、中国に自制を求めた。中国の一方的な措置には韓国や台湾も反発している.

「無謀な瀬戸際政策」「中国の無責任なゲーム」「挑発的行動」と一斉に中国批判を繰り広げたのは欧米のメディアだった。中国の狙いの一つは尖閣問題での日本への圧力だろうが、南沙諸島で中国の圧力や武力の威嚇を受ける東南アジアの諸国も眉をひそめたろう.

「信頼を生み出すより恐怖を生む方が彼らには重要らしい。驚愕（きょうがく）した諸国が自己を防衛するために連合すると彼らは不平をならす」。ある英外交官がこう評したのは現代中国ならぬ第一次大戦前のドイツである。力ずくの現状変更要求が外交的孤立を招いた例だった.

思えば偶発的な暗殺事件が欧州全体を誰も望まない戦乱に巻き込んだ第一次大戦である。平和な東アジアで不測の衝突を招きかねぬ空の囲い込みは、とても２１世紀の責任ある大国の所業（しょぎょう）とは思えない。
status quo 〈ラテン語〉ステータスクオー、現状（維持）、そのままの状態、体制
to overthrow 打倒、転覆、崩壊
noawadays 現今、当今、現代
to obey ～に従う、（人）の言うことに従う［を聞く］
to weigh in 割って入る、介入する、立ち入る、一枚加わる、援助する、仲裁に入る
unilaterally 一方的に
restraint (show restrant) 控える、慎む
brinkmanship 〈米〉瀬戸際政策◆「核爆弾を投下するぞ」などの脅威的な行動を暗示することによって政治的優位性を得る方策
to oppose 〔相手と力ずくで〕争う、敵対する
 
 
 
   
  New! Learning through News Videos
 
 
 
Business English Expression and Phrases　＜ビジネス英会話フレーズ＞
-Learn expressions such as idioms and slang that is unique to culture, age, and business!
新しい英語表現：　文化・時代・ビジネスで使う特有なイディオム表現や俗語を覚えよう！
会社の方針を通知する
There are a few announcements I need to make.
 

There are a few announcements I need to make. First, we’ve decided to change our policy concerning vacation time.
 
会社の長期計画について通知する
I’m afraid I have to inform you about…
  I’m afraid we have to inform you about some changes in our long-term plan. Today I’d like to outline the changes for you.
 
There’re going to be some changes…
  There’re going to be some changes in the long-term plan. Listen carefully and don’t miss anything.
 
ビシネス英会話 会社の統合について通知する

I need to notify you about…
  I need to notify you about a merger plan. I know this comes as a surprise to you, but it’s something we need to do for the survival of the company.
   

… I need to tell you about.
  There’s going to be a merger I need to tell you about. It’s not the best thing to happen, but at least the company will survive.
 
ビシネス英会話 減給について通知する

I need to inform you that…
  I need to inform you that, based on your performance last year, your salary is being reduced by three percent. I know you’re disappointed, but we have to follow company policy.
 
 
上記の会話の日本語訳はこちらをクリック’（印刷可）: JAPANESE VERSION
"Of course vs Yes, it is." 今回は"of course" vs "yes, it is".の使い方を解説します。
 
 

 
–This section will cover a broad range of different grammar rules and explanations to help you understand sentence structure and improve awareness of English grammar.
このコーナーでは文法の規則や英文の構成についてわかりやすく学べます。
Special! TOEIC REVIEW AND STUDY
Check your understanding by selecting the correct answer below:　
Read each of the following of sentences and select the best answer. Print out this lesson plan and ask your teacher to assist you in understanding the grammar rules if you do not understand your mistakes..
Part V – Multiple Choice
 
1. In order for ____ to provide the necessary benefits, doctors in Japan need to be shown a valid insurance card.
   
A. those
B. them
C. their
D. that
   
6. Customers with concerns about the safety of the product are advised to call the ____ as soon as possible.
   
A. manufacture
B. manufacturing
C. manufacturer
D. manufactured
   
2. In order for ____ to provide the necessary documents you are requesting, you will need to have a photo id.
   
A. our
B. them
C. us
D. we
   
7. The ____ plants of Toyota Motor company located in China are closed due to the ongoing protests and civil unrest.
   
A. manufacture
B. manufacturing
C. manufacturer
D. manufactured
   
3. I suggest _____ for the airport now so that we can avoid rush hour traffic.
   
A. depart
B. departed
C. departing
D. leave
   
8. Library and information science majors should be reminded of the seminar beginning _____ at 6:00 p.m. in room 212.
   
A. prompt
B. prompts
C. promptly
D. at just
   
4. I suggest that you _____ for the airport now so that we can avoid rush hour traffic.
   
A. left
B. departing
C. leave
D. had departed
   
9. Tonight’s performance is _____ to raise awareness about our city’s urban renewal initiative.
   
A. intention
B. intentional
C. intended
D. intend
   
5. CRX Inc. _____ all employees to wear safety helmets at all times when inside the plant.
   
A. wishes
B. welcomes
C. requires
D. suggests
   
10. I sincerely apologize if I offended you in any way as it was truly not my ______ .
   
A. intention
B. intentional
C. intended
D. intending
   
 
Grammar Study: Verb + ING
In English, there are some special verbs that is usually followed by a another verb. In these situations, it is more common to use the "-ing" form of the verb if it immediately follows it.
For example:
—I enjoy dancing. (not "I enjoy to dance")
–Would you mind closing the door? (not "Would you mind to close the door"?)
–John suggested going to the movies. (not "John suggested to go to the movies.")
 
stop delay consider admit postpone
finish avoid deny imagine suggest
Read each of the following sentences and complete the missing part using one of the words below in the correct/appropriate form. Print out this lesson plan and ask your teacher to assist you in understanding the grammar rules if you do not understand your mistakes..
answer apply be listen make
see try use wash work
help write smoke live  
         
1. He tried to avoid _____________ the tough questions that I asked.
2. Could you please stop _____________ so much noise while I am studying?
3. I considered _____________ for the job but the low salary really was a sticking point.
4. I highly suggest you stop _____________ to music so loud. It may damage your hearing.
5. Oh my god it is raining again! I have to postpone _____________ the laundry until tomorrow.
6. What a terrible thing to do! I can’t imagine anybody _____________ so stupid!
7. You really should consider _____________ a doctor about that sprained ankle.
8. When confronted by her manager, Susan denied _____________ company resources for her own personal gain.
9. I believe Tanaka is overworked and stressed out. He really needs to refrain from _____________ to work too hard.
10. Have you ever considered _____________ others who are less fortunate?
11. I can’t stay awake any longer. I need to finish _____________ on my proposal by 11pm.
12. I accused Samantha of the hurtful email I had received but she denied _____________ it.
13. I really wish I could just retire and move to a nice beach resort area but I can’t imagine myself _______________there with my low salary.
14. I really need to sto ____________! This will definitely damage my lungs and health down the road.
 
Check your answers!
 
 
 
TOEIC対策（読解＆リスニング問題編）Eメールとﾕｰｻﾞﾈｰﾑの入力でテストの結果がメールで受け取れます。
 
[kml_flashembed publishmethod=”static” fversion=”8.0.0″ movie=”https://www.members.eigopass.com/flashquiz/toeicsentence/Quiz 8/quiz.swf” width=”636″ height=”480″ targetclass=”flashmovie”] [/kml_flashembed]
[kml_flashembed publishmethod=”static” fversion=”8.0.0″ movie=”https://www.members.eigopass.com/flashquiz/TOEIC850/quiz14audio/quiz.swf” width=”636″ height=”480″ targetclass=”flashmovie”] [/kml_flashembed]
 
 
NEW! – How do you feel about Christmas in Japan?

(Corey 24y.o. male US): This will be my very first Christmas in Japan so honestly speaking, I do not have much to base my opinion upon. However, I was a little bit surprised when I was with my girlfriend at the beginning of December.

As we were hanging out together in Harajuku together, I was looking at a jacket and mentioned that I was going to buy it. Upon hearing that I liked it, she said she would buy it for me as my Christmas present! I do love her effort and gesture but for some reason or another, I felt it was strange in that allowing her to buy it for me would take away the "surprise" part of gift giving. I like the idea of exchanging presents and not knowing what it is until Christmas day. Call me old fashioned but I think it keeps the "romance" alive in a relationship.

 

【日本語訳】

今年が日本での初めてのクリスマスなので、正直なところ特に意見がないけど、12月初め頃彼女と一緒に原宿を歩いていたら驚くことがあった。　僕はジャケットを見ていて購入しようとしたら、彼女がクリスマスプレゼントとして買ってくれると言うのだ。彼女の優しさはとても嬉しいが、どういう訳か僕はそれは変だと感じた。クリスマスプレゼントというワクワク感と驚きがなくなってしまうからだ。古い考えかもしれないが、その方が「愛」を持続できると僕は思います。
 
 

(Sarah 24y.o. female U.K.): Christmas in Japan is quite unique, I will admit that! It is very understandable for this "holiday" to be celebrated in different ways depending on various aspects such as age, nationality, religious beliefts, etc…

Just my two cents, I think Christmas in Japan is more for couples like Valentine’s day rather than a family affair. A case in point for me was last year when my parents came to Japan to spend Christmas with me because I had to work and couldn’t return home for the holidays. When I asked my boyfriend(Japanese) at the time if he would mind spending it with my parents, he didn’t seem to mind but asked me "Can we be alone afterwards"?

I told him that I could not really guarantee that since I had no idea how long my parents would stay since I was preparing dinner with my mum at my apartment. I really do not want to throw my parents out of my apartment and send them back to the hotel especially since they had come all the way to Japan to visit me. Needless to say, he seemed irritated and it gave me other reasons to understand how cultural differences could be a strain on interracial couples. I just wished he could have understood my feelings of what Christmas meant to me and not focus on what is the "usual" custom of Christmas for him.

 

【日本語訳】

日本のクリスマスはとても独特で、私は受け入れています。　この”ホリデー”は　様々な年齢、国籍や宗教により違った形でお祝いされるのは理解できます。私の意見としては日本では家族でお祝いするよりむしろ恋人同士のためのお祝い事であるように思う。

というのも、去年私が仕事で忙しく帰郷できなかったので、両親がクリスマスに日本に来てくれた際、彼（日本人）にクリスマスを私の両親と一緒に過ごしてくれないか？尋ねると、構わないようだったが「後で二人きりで過ごせる？」かと聞かれた。

アパートで母とクリスマスディナーの支度をするので、両親がどれくらい居るかわからないし約束はできないと言った。せっかく遠くから来てくれた両親を無理やり追い出したくはない。言うまでもなく、それを聞いて彼はイライラしていた。このようなことが異人種間のカップルに生じる試練でありどのように（お互いの）文化の違いを理解し受け入れるかは課題である。彼にとっての”通常”のクリスマスの習慣だけにとらわれるのではなく、私にとってのクリスマスの意味も理解してくれたら嬉しいのにな。
 

(Alex 29y.o. male US) I have celebrated Christmas in Japan 3 times in my last 5 years living here and realized the one evident truth: Christmas seems to be more tailored to couples than families. My students seem surprised when I tell them I have to buy presents for my brothers, sisters, mother, father, nephew, niece, etc… (I forgot, my girlfriend in that list but we all know she will tell me what to buy for her 🙂

I can see the surprise on their faces when they hear this as most of my students seem to buy only for their boyfriend/girlfriend. In some cases, parents will get something for their children but why is it that children don’t give presents to their parents. Do married couples buy gifts for one another or is giftgiving dead after marriage?

When asked what their perfect image of Christmas is, alot of them explain a scene in Home Alone with a big Christmas tree and many presents underneath. I tell them that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate this festive occasion and that if they like a certain image of Christmas that they should do it! I tell them go and get a tree! Buy presents for your brother, sister, and every member of your family and change Christmas to fit your ideal image!

Unfortunately to that, I hear the same response: " mendokusai "… sigh… Most things in life that we remember must be done with effort. I know it is mendokusai but it is the our effort that builds memories.

 
 

【日本語訳】

日本に5年住んでいる間に、日本でクリスマスをお祝いするのは3回目、そして気づいたことは：クリスマスが家族向けより恋人たち仕様に象られていること。　僕が家族全員分のプレゼントを買うと話すと僕の生徒はみんな驚いていました。

彼らは驚きを顔に出し、ほとんどの生徒は彼氏／彼女のためだけに買うとのこと。時折、両親が子供たちにプレゼントを買うこともあるようだが、子供たちが両親にプレゼントを贈るということはないのはなぜだろう。　結婚しているカップルは結婚後にお互いに贈りあっているのだろうか？

クリスマスのイメージについて尋ねると、多くの人が「（映画）ホーム・アローン」の大きなクリスマスツリーと木の下にいっぱいのプレゼントのシーンを言っている。クリスマスの特別な祭りごとに良いも悪いもない。自分のイメージどおりにクリスマスをお祝いすればいいはず。だから僕は彼らにツリーを買って！家族全員にプレゼントを買って！自分のイメージするクリスマスで祝おう！

でも、残念ながら返ってくる言葉は「面倒くさい」（ため息。。。）僕たちが記憶する人生のほとんどのことは努力によって作られている。面倒だということはわかるが、僕たちの努力によって素晴らしい記憶が残っていくのだと僕は思う。
 
 

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