Lesson 59 Pedestrians
Topic Question: Why do Japanese pedestrians obey traffic lights even if there are no cars around?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the cultural and societal reasons behind why Japanese pedestrians strictly follow traffic light rules, even when no immediate danger is apparent.
▮ Sample Answer
“In Japan, pedestrians tend to obey traffic lights meticulously due to a strong sense of social responsibility and order. It reflects the cultural emphasis on respect for rules and consideration for others, ensuring safety and harmony in public spaces.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Pedestrians (歩行者): People who are walking, especially in an area where vehicles go.
- Meticulously (細心の): In a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly.
- Responsibility (責任): The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something.
- Consideration (配慮): Careful thought, typically over a period of time.
- Harmony (調和): The quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What are pedestrians in Japan known for?
- Why do they follow traffic lights so closely?
- How does this behavior reflect on Japanese culture?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar: some and any
some and any
Use some in positive sentences:
● I’m going to buy some clothes.
● There’s some ice in the fridge
● We made some mistakes.
Use any in negative sentences:
● I’m not going to buy any clothes.
● There isn’t any milk in the fridge.
● We didn’t make any mistakes.
any and some in questions
In most questions (but not all ) we use any (not some):
● Is there any ice in the fridge ?
● Does he have any friends ?
● Do you need any help?
We normally use some (not any) when we offer things
(Would you like… ?) :
● A: Would you like some coffee?
B: Yes, please.
or when we ask for things (Can I have..? etc.)
● A: Can I have some soup, please?
B: Yes. Help yourself.
some and any without a noun
● I didn’t take any pictures, but Jane took some. (= some pictures)
● You can have some coffee, but I don’t want any. (= any coffee)
● I just made some coffee. Would you like some? (= some coffee)
Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:
- Let’s learn some Japanese phrases to understand pedestrian signs better.
- Don’t cross the street when the light is red, even if you don’t see any cars.
- Can I ask you some questions about your experiences with traffic in Japan?
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
