Expanding your professional reach across borders requires more than just technical skills — it demands cultural awareness, the right vocabulary, and a genuine willingness to adapt. This role play introduces a team celebrating a new business deal with a Japanese company while preparing for the cultural and linguistic challenges ahead. Along the way, you'll pick up expressions related to priorities and tasks, and reflect on your own goals for using English internationally.
What should you know about Japanese business card etiquette?
One of the most practical takeaways from the conversation is the importance of business card etiquette in Japan [01:52]. When someone hands you a business card, you should never put it directly into your pocket. Instead, take your time to read it and admire the design. In Japanese business culture, a business card reflects the effort and identity of the person giving it, so treating it carelessly is considered rude.
You should also introduce yourself by saying "Hajimemashite" along with your name and credentials, and do a half bow while offering your own card. These small gestures show respect and set the right tone for a professional relationship.
What is Keigo and why does it matter?
Keigo is the super formal version of the Japanese language used in all business situations [02:24]. The role play highlights that mastering Keigo is essential for anyone doing business in Japan. While every language has its formal register, Keigo is very clearly defined and carries significant weight in professional interactions.
The team draws an interesting parallel: in British English, the word "shall" is used to express responsibilities more formally [02:50]. Phrases like "I shall prepare the copies" or "Shall we delegate roles?" illustrate how formality shifts depending on cultural context. Recognizing these differences prepares you for real-world communication.
How do cultural differences shape language use?
The speakers also compare the Spanish from Latin America with the Spanish from Spain [03:10], noting that regional variations can feel intimidating at first. One team member learned Spanish in Colombia while working for Platzi and found European Spanish very different. The key message is that you get used to cultural differences eventually. At the end of the day, people everywhere share the same goal: doing their best and reaching their objectives.
Why is English important for international communication?
The role play reinforces that English is a bridge for international communication [03:48]. One character shares the rewarding experience of teaching English classes and watching students land great programming jobs at big tech companies. A former student even moved to Japan — and the team plans to visit him there.
This connects directly to the module's focus on priorities and tasks. The expression "that should definitely be a priority" [01:37] is used when the team agrees on learning Japanese customs before their trip. Another useful phrase is "I would rather learn the right business etiquette beforehand than unintentionally do something offensive" [01:42], which models how to express preferences when setting priorities.
How can you apply these expressions to your own goals?
The class encourages you to reflect on several important questions:
- What are you most excited to use your English for? Whether it's traveling, working at international companies, or building cross-cultural friendships, defining your end goal keeps you motivated.
- Have you been practicing English with native speakers? Regular practice with real speakers is one of the most effective strategies for improvement.
- Will you learn another language after English? If so, keep practicing English alongside your new language to maintain fluency.
Notice the expression "focusing on expanding internationally and reaching different markets" [01:12]. This is a great structure for describing professional ambitions. You can adapt it: "I'm focusing on improving my English and reaching new career opportunities."
The word "open-minded" [04:12] also appears when describing Platzi students. Being open-minded is not just a personality trait — it's a strategy for learning. The more willing you are to embrace differences, the faster you grow.
What goals are you working toward with your English skills right now? Share your priorities and let's practice expressing them together.
