▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Today's story begins as Akiko and Tina stand in front of the Human Resources office...

T: Hi Akiko, I'm glad you're here -- I just finished the meeting. A: Are you okay? You look upset... T: Let's go get some coffee. A: Tina, I've never seen you this way. T: I know. I have to get out of here...okay, let's sit at that table in the corner, I don't want anyone to overhear. A: Okay, I'll get the coffee... T: Thank you...you have such a soothing personality. A: （どうしたんだろう、悲しそうっていうよりはショックを受けているみたい）Here, you like Chai latte, right? Be careful, it's hot. T: Akiko, you're an angel. Okay, so here's what's going on...

human resources office : 人事部
overhear : ふと耳にする

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues in the company café...

T: I'm being transferred. To manage marketing for the new Osaka office! A: Really? Oh, did you just find out? T: Yes, I just met with Human Resources. A: It's a great promotion - aren't you excited? T: Well...I'm not sure. A: You're not sure...? T: I'm not sure I'm going to go. A: Really...but, you know, if you don't go... T: Yeah, they can let me go, I know. But, I'm just starting to get comfortable in Tokyo, and I'm just beginning to know how to handle some of our biggest clients... A: I know it's hard to move. T: It's not really that. It's more that I feel as if my life isn't my own, that somebody is making decisions for me, instead of talking with me about it to see what I really want to do... A: I understand...but, you know, that's the... T: System, yes, I know. I knew it when I took the position. But now that it's so real...I don't know what I want to do... A: Did you get some time to decide? T: Well, Nakano-san in HR expects me to just go. They gave me 3 weeks to pack, but that's it. A: Oh, Tina, what are you going to do...?

N: I bet you think the story of Akiko and Tina is coming to an end. Well, it is...sort of. But you can catch Akiko and Tina in their brand new lives in 2007. So, join us here in January. And, thank you for listening.

I'm being transferred : 私は転任させられることになるの
they can let me go : 会社は私を解雇することができる

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins in a Tokyo neighborhood, near Tina's apartment...

T: Look at that, isn't it awful? A: Hm? Look at what? T: That poor dog is tied up in the yard... he must be freezing! I bet he hasn't been able to run around at all. A: （うーん、なんで走らなきゃいけないんだろう？）Oh, I'm sure the owner takes him for a walk every day... T: Well, of course, otherwise the driveway would be dirty, if they didn't walk him- but he should be in the house! A: : In the house? But he must be too big to live inside... T: Well why did they get the dog if there was no place to keep it? A: （そんなの私が知る訳ないじゃん…）Um... T: I'm sorry, Akiko, of course you wouldn't know... I'm just really sensitive to seeing animals mistreated.

driveway : 道路から自宅の駐車スペースにいたるまでの道
run around : 走り回る
mistreated : 不当に扱われる

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko and Tina stroll around the neighborhood.

A: But, Tina, how do you know the dog is mistreated? T: Akiko, it's December, it's really cold and wet, and that dog lives in the driveway. A: （っていわれても、犬なんだし大丈夫だと思うけど）So dogs are treated differently in America? T: Well, if they're not treated differently, you can call the ASPCA! A: ASPCA is... T: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A: Why is it cruel? If the dog was wild, he would live outside... T: But, he's a pet! And...sigh..I don't know, I might not be very rational about this. A: Oh, it's okay. Why wouldn't you be rational about it? T: My mother used to take in stray dogs, and it always felt so terrible to see them left outside. People got the dogs and didn't know what to do with them! A: Oh, I'm sure that happens here too. But, that dog looks pretty contented. T: He does have water. And that blanket looks expensive. A: And his fur looks shiny and healthy, and his eyes are bright. T: Hmmm...and it looks like there are some chew toys, and there's the bowl of dry food...oh well, maybe I spoke too soon. A: He actually looks like he's a pretty happy dog.

rational : 理性的な
contented : 満足している
chew toy : 噛んで遊ぶおもちゃ

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins as Akiko and Tina walk around in the temple gardens of Kyoto...

T: Look at that! Smell that! Can we go visit that temple? Oh, I am really excited to be in Kyoto! A: Yes, it's nice isn't it? T: Of course, there are some absolutely beautiful views. But honestly, I'm excited because there's so much history. A: Oh, of course I can help you... T: Yeah, I should have asked you, I was just being stubborn - let's work together. You read the Japanese version and I'll ask you questions from the English... A: I understand...many tourists come for that reason...well, let's go back to the office. T: You want to leave already...oh! Look at those huge fish! They're mesmerizing, the way they open their mouths, as if they're talking. A: （うーん、ただお腹がすいてぱくぱくしているだけで、あんまりたいしたことないと思うんだけどな…）Yes, the koi always want food. T: Oh, of course, they're hungry! Let me...okay, here, I have some little...fish crackers, I hope they don't mind (haha). A: I think they'll be fine. T: Oh, look at that huge one, it's like the King of the Pond...Akiko, what's up? You usually make a great "straight man", but it's not happening today. A: No, no, I'm fine...

mesmerizing : うっとりするほど魅惑的な
fish cracker : 魚の形をした魚の餌

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko and Tina walk towards Kyoto Station...

T: Even the office view is so different from Tokyo - look at the temple roofs in the hills... A: Tina, should we prepare for the presentation tomorrow? T: Hmm...? No, no, we're all set I think - Akiko, what is wrong with you?! You've been distracted ever since we got to Kyoto. A: Ah...I'm sorry. T: What's wrong? Here, let's have a cup of tea...I'm going to that tea ceremony training at 6:00, so I'll get a head start! A: Of course, Kyoto has so much history and many cultural activities, and... T: Well, yeah, definitely! I can dress up to look like Japanese people used to look, and learn ancient arts. In a way, I feel like I'm in Japan for the first time. A: Well, it's more like the Japan in your mind, not the real Japan. T: The Japan in my mind...hmmm. Well, I guess that's true, I am looking at Kyoto from a foreigner's perspective. But, why wouldn't you enjoy the history and culture and... A: Well, my parent's hobby was Japanese history. So, I came to Kyoto many times. T: Oh, I get it. You had too much of it too early. A: I want to satisfy my parents, but they think the only way to be Japanese is to live in the old way. T: Well, I can totally understand that would be pretty oppressive if you didn't naturally enjoy it. A: I'm sorry, I should have explained. T: No worries. How many times have to been to Kyoto, anyway? A: Hundreds of times... T: Well no wonder!

tea ceremony training : 茶道の教室
in a way : ある意味
oppressive : 重苦しい
no wonder : 当たり前

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins as Akiko visits Tina's office...

T: Where are those survey results...aarrgghhhh...oh, hi Akiko A: What's wrong, you look angry. T: I'm just frustrated...Amadin Group needs us to comment on this market research report right away. I need to understand it but I can't figure out the Japanese part... A: Oh, of course I can help you... T: Yeah, I should have asked you, I was just being stubborn - let's work together. You read the Japanese version and I'll ask you questions from the English... A: Okay...where is it, oh, here it is. What do you need to know? T: Um, what's the actual title of the report? A: Um...something like Consumer Lifestyle Research Report...2006 T: Oh, okay, that makes sense---I thought it had something to do with...oh, never mind, I shouldn't have been trying to read it myself anyway. A: I know it takes a little bit of time for you to read Japanese... T: Oh, don't worry about hurting my feelings Akiko, you're absolutely right, it was dumb. Okay, now, what in the world does this mean?

survey : 世論調査
stubborn : 頑固な

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko helps Tina understand the Japanese demographic report.

T: Okay, so we already have basic demographics, right? The target audience is skewed towards females in their late 30's, unmarried. A: Let me make sure...yes, that's what the report says. T: Okay, so what I really need to understand is the psychographics. A: You mean...the their...um, habits, right? T: Exactly. A: Well, um, it says that they think money is important. T: Right. A: But they think concepts like LOHAS are more important. T: Oh, so sustainability is a key factor... A: And they also...they also want to spend money on luxury goods... T: What? Really? Hmmm. So maybe the people who want to spend on luxury goods are different from the people who care about the earth? A: No, the report says they are the same. T: Now, that's an interesting insight! But, wouldn't the LOHAS people feel kind of brazen, walking around with expensive bags? A: （うーん、ロハスに興味がある人がファッショナブルでもいいと思うんだけどな）It's not very clear... T: I see. Well, the next question is, how do we show them how important insurance can be for their peace of mind?

demographic : 統計
skewed : ある方向に向かっている
psychographics : 心理学的特徴
a key factor : 重要な要素

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins at Akiko's branch office in Tokyo. Akiko is in a meeting...

A: （このミーティング、長引かないといいんだけどな。ティナとの約束は２時からだし）Okay, thank you very much, I will take care of it... T: Hi Akiko, are you ready for our meeting? A: Yes, I reserved the conference room, let's go. T: I just had one of the Japanese culture seminars, you know for foreign staff. A: Oh, how did it go? T: I'm just wondering: do you think the giri tree rules your life? A: The what?!! T: I know, I know, it's actually how I visualize it... A: Visualize...? T: The kind of tree of social obligations that Japanese society expects... A: Oh...I see. I think... （木？って，枝があって葉っぱがついている木のこと？）

rules your life : 人生を規定する
visualize : 思い浮かべる
obligations : 義務

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko and Tina have dinner after a long day.

A: Tina, why do you call it a giri tree? T: Oh, it's just my way of visualizing it...the roots are dug deep into Japanese society, and the trunk is the kind of social expectation. A: Well, okay...and what are the branches? T: The branches are the ways the social obligation plays out... A: Plays out? T: Um, I mean, the way you see the social obligations expressed in real life - like one branch is repaying of debts (which never ends, it seems) and one branch is behaving as expected, and one branch is twisted: the people who don't do what's expected of them... A: That sounds deep. T: Haha...well, it's just a way for me to relate to it - but what do you think about it? A: About...giri? T: Yeah, do you see it as something that you pay attention to? I mean, if someone makes a giri error, do you want to snap at them? A: （うーん。義理って、義理人情の義理が木みたいって？　あんまりよくわかんないや…どこからそんなアイディアが出てきたんだろう）Hmmmm...I don't really think of it. T: Really? But it seems as if treating people in a certain way is very important here. A: Well, it's...it's good to treat people well... T: Oh, of course - it's good to return the favor when someone does something good for you. A: Even if they don't do anything good for you.

social expectation : 社会からの期待
play out : 行動に表す
relate : 関係づける
snap at : 八つ当たりする

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins in the halls of the office - Tina walks along with a distant, preoccupied look...

A: （あ、ちょうどいい。ティナがいる。ランチ、一緒に行けるかな）Hi Tina...you look...um... T: Yeah, I guess I do look like a crazy person...sigh. A: No, no, not crazy, I didn't mean... T: Oh don't worry, I don't mind. I feel kind of crazy...look, are you on your way to lunch? A: Yes, I was just going to... T: Come on then, let's go, I've got to talk to you... A: Why, what's the matter? T: I desperately need some good advice. A: （あ、これは絶対スティーブン・アマディンのことだ。でもなんてアドバイスしていいかわかんないな）What kind of advice? T: You won't believe it A: Believe what?

preoccupied look : 頭がいっぱいでぼんやりとしている様子
desperately : 必死に
you won't believe it : 信じられない話なんだけれど

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko and Tina have lunch in a local restaurant...

T: Akiko, I think I'm falling in love with Naoki A: （ええええええええええ）Falling in love with Naoki?!!! Who's Naoki?!!!! T: You know, Naoki from Sales - people think he's just a geek, but actually he's incredible... A: Uehara-san? （ああ、営業部長だ！） T: Yeah. Naoki. A: （何てこと…）Well, um, that's... T: ...and I think he's attracted to me, too... A: How do you know? T: Well, he looks at me...he's really intense when he's around me... A: （うーん、彼はいつでも情熱的だし。悪い方向に行かないといいけど…）Oh, uh, does he? T: He does. A: Oh. T: And whenever we have a meeting, it always seems like he wants to say more to me, there's always a very heavy subtext... A: A heavy subtext...?!! T: It's like he wants me to know how he feels, but he hasn't found a way to tell me...

incredible : 信じられないほど素晴らしい
he's attracted to me : 彼は私に惹かれている
subtext : 言葉の内にはない意味合い

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins late at night in Tina's branch office.

A: Tina, what's the matter? T: I don't think I can deal with Steven Amadin anymore. A: The President of the Amadin Group - but I thought things were going well! T: Yeah, it looks like that. But, you know, I'm his main contact, right? A: Right. He wants to talk about the project in English. Did you forget how to speak English? T: Ha, ha very funny - sometimes I wonder if you didn't learn too much at that English Intensive...anyway, no, the problem is that he's horrible to work with. A: You never told me about it. T: I didn't want to bring the team's energy down, but I'm not kidding you, he is completely unreasonable. A: What does he do? T: He calls me, at home, and yells and screams! A: （うーん、まあ彼はクライアントだからしょうがないんじゃないのかなあ）Well, what else does he do?

main contact ： 主な連絡窓口
horrible ： 最悪な

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko and Tina discuss managing their difficult client, Steven Amadin.

T: Steven thinks he can make any changes he wants, at any time., for any reason! A: But don't we have a change list and charges for changes? T: Yeah, but he sees it as a personal challenge to whine at me until I say yes. He tries to find any loophole he can to get changes done without paying for them. A: （…彼は取引先なんだし、あんまり個人的に受け取らない方がいいと思うんだけどな…。でももしかしたら何か別の原因があるのかも）He's American, isn't he? T: Yeah, and even back in the States, I've never dealt with someone so unreasonable, in all the time I've done client management. He's belligerent! A: What's, what's belligerent? T: Oh, he's, he's hostile and aggressive and he treats me so condescendingly and sarcastically... A: （うわあ、全然何言っているのかわからなくなってきちゃった！）um, I'm sorry, I know you're upset, but, I don’t know what that means... T: I'm sorry, it's not your fault. Well, he's condescending: that means whenever he talks to me it sounds like he assumes that I'm stupid. A: Oh... T: But other times he tells me things are going great and he really appreciates the work we're doing. A: I see...well, what do you want to do? T: Leaping off a cliff comes to mind. A: I know you are joking. T: Well, I guess I'm mostly joking... A: （あーあ、ティナは取引先との関係を個人的なものに受け取っているんだ…）

loophole : 抜け穴
belligerent : けんか腰な
condescendingly : 人を見下したような態度で
sarcastically : 皮肉たっぷりに
leaping off a cliff : 崖から飛び降りること

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Akiko has just taken the English intensive course, and she's eager to have a good conversation with Tina while they work out together at the company gym.

A: （あ、ちょうどいい。ティナがいる）Hi Tina! T: Hi Akiko! Well you look pretty energized this morning, what's up? A: Oh, I'm feeling very good. I just took the Hi Speed Eikaiwa gasshuku - um, intensive. T: Oh, cool! I forgot you were going to that - how was it? A: It was amazing. It was much better than I expected... T: Oh, good, those guys just got off the stationary bikes, let's grab them! A: Okay, now, tell me all about it. First of all, the place is beautiful -it was good to study without distractions. T: Ah, I'm jealous already - what a great way to study anything! A: And the classes had a really good atmosphere. T: What do you mean?

she's eager to ： 彼女は〜したくてたまらない
stationary bike ： サイクリングマシン
without distractions ： 邪魔をされることなく

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Akiko and Tina continue their conversation as they stretch on the mat at the gym.

A: I saw the school's TV coverage. T: Oh, right, with the teachers being very, kinda of, loud and in your face. A: Yes. I was a little bit scared. T: I can imagine - it looked very intense, like a boot camp. A: Right! But I also felt it was a good challenge. T: Yup, I'm sure...it kind of got you curious, didn't it? A: Yes, it did. And the teachers were so kind and so serious. T: You know, I have to say, the teachers I saw in the commercial looked like they really cared about being effective teachers. Sometimes that's not the case. A: I know. But, for example, in the Question and Answer part. T: That's where you have to answer very fast questions, right? Like Are you my teacher? Am I your teacher? A: Yes, I felt nervous at first. But they were so positive. I started to relax. T: So you got better at thinking on your feet, as we say. A: I really started to enjoy speaking English. T: That's amazing...are you done stretching? A: Hold on a moment, I want to try one more yoga position...ahhhhhh...okay, I am. T: Well, you seem much more confident - we've got to get the rest of the department to try Hi-Speed Eikaiwa's English intensive!

TV coverage : テレビ報道
in your face : 挑戦的な
a boot camp : （新人兵士などの）訓練所
thinking on your feet : 自分でしっかり考えること

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins as Tina runs into Akiko in the office...The Amadin Group, a huge potential client, has asked for an MGT presentation...

T: Hey, Akiko, did you hear the news? A: About the Amadin Group?- yes, I heard it. T: Well, guess who's putting the presentation together? A: Tina, you? That's great. T: Yup, I get to choose my team members, and I just wanted to let you know I already chose you. A: （本当に？　ティナ、親切にしてくれるのはわかるけど、私の英語力じゃ）...ah...oh...Tina. Thank you. T: Well, you don't sound very happy...Listen, I really need a break, so I'm going to turn off my phone and be out of reach for a while - do you want to come get a cup of coffee and talk about it. A: Oh, I'm sorry, I still have work to do... T: I see. Well, how about we meet after work? We can go get a cup of coffee at 7:00... A: （この話、あんまりしたくないなあ）Okay, let's meet in the lobby at 19:00...

a huge potential client ： 顧客になる見込みが大きい相手
let's take a break ： ちょっと一休みしよう
be out of reach for a while ： しばらく連絡がつかないようにする
head for home ： 帰宅する

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues in the evening, at the local coffee shop...

T: Hi Akiko. A: Hi Tina. T: So, it seemed like you weren't that happy about working with me on the presentation team... A: Well...I don't think my English is good enough. T: Is...is that the only reason? A: （それだけの理由って、結構大きい理由なんだけどな……何考えているんだろう？）Um... T: Well, you know, I've noticed that it's not considered nice in Japan to be really honest, so if you didn't want to work with me because, well, you just don't want to work with me. That's ok. I just wanted you to know it's fine, it's no problem... A: Um, but my English is not that good. T: Okay, well, then...when are you taking the English Intensive course? A: I'm going to go next week. T: Oh, it's that soon! That's great! Tell you what: I have a lot of my own research to concentrate on for the next 10 days, so you can join me when you get back from the English Intensive. A: （ああ、そうなんだ。よかった）Thank you Tina! T: Of course - I think we'll make a really good team, once you feel more comfortable with communicating in English. A: I really hope so.

the English Intensive course : 英語の集中講座
concentrate on : 〜に集中する
feel more comfortable with communicating : コミュニケーションをとるのをもっと快適に感じる

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins with Akiko and Tina walking to the train station after work…

T: I am so tired of people practicing their English on me!! A: （うーん。私のこと言っているんじゃないといいんだけど）Um, I hope you don't mind when I ask you English questions… T: No, no, no, it's alright when it's you. A: Can I ask you a question? T: Ha! Okay, what's the question? A: Why do you get angry if people ask you about English? T: Hmmm…well, for example, put yourself in my shoes…. A: （そんなことできるの？　…私の足、小さいのに）I'm sorry; you mean put your shoes? T: Well, metaphorically speaking… A: （メタファーって前にも聞いたことあるけど、どんな意味なんだろう？）

put yourself in my shoes ： 私の立場を考えてみて
metaphorically speaking ： 例えて言うと

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues as Akiko and Tina get on the Yamanote line to head home after a long busy day…

T: Okay, let me put it another way. A: Please! T: Ha-ha, okay. Well, what if you were Japanese… A: （日本人なんだけどな…）Um, well, okay. T: Yes, I know you are…so, let's say you live in, …Boston. A: Oh, I would love to live near MIT! T: Okay, so, let's say you're working at MIT and your department is trying to talk to people at Todai about a joint project. A: So, I'm working at MIT… T: Yes. A: …and we will work with Tokyo University T: That's it. Now, you weren't hired to be a translator…you are there because of other knowledge that you have. A: Okay, so I'm not a translator. T: Right. But your colleagues come to you every day, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day with tiny questions about Japanese language and culture. A: I could not do my regular work. T: Exactly. In fact it feels like a subtle put-down, as if my only purpose in life is to teach everyone English! A: I can see why you don't like it… T: Of course I don't mind helping sometimes, but it's not very pleasant to be an English machine!

Let me put it another way : 違う言い方をするとね（この表現は何かの説明を始めるときなどに使います）
colleagues : 同僚
a subtle put-down : 微妙にけなされること

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins on a Saturday - Tina is at work, and Akiko isn't.

A: Hello. Tina? This is Akiko. T: Hi Akiko, what's up? A: Um, uh, I wanted to ask you…did you see the movie "Good Night and Good luck? T: Oh, that's the George Clooney movie, right? No, I hadn't…hold on, I have another call… oh hi, I'll call you back T: Sorry, about that. Akiko, would you mind emailing me? I'm on my way to a meeting now and it's a bit hectic… A: （ああ、なんか忙しそう。電話じゃなくってメールの方がいいんだ） A: Yes, I can email you. I will do that. I'm sorry to disturb you. T: No worries, but I have to run - see you later! Hey, Paul… A: Okay, bye. A: （って、後で一緒に映画にいくってことかなあ？　今すぐメール送らなきゃ）

What's up? : どうしたの？
I'm on my way to a meeting : ちょうど今ミーティングへ行く途中なの
Hectic : （仕事などが）非常に忙しい
Disturb : 邪魔をする

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues, with Akiko waiting for Tina at the movie theater.

A: （ええっと、ティナに携帯メール送ってみよう） HI TINA. IT IS AKIKO. CAN YOU COME TO TOEI AT 19:00? T: Oh, that's my phone, it's Akiko…tonight's not great, but it would be good to hang out with her…OKAY, TOEI SOUNDS GOOD, LET ME CHECK. TINA A: （ああ、よかった。映画見に行けるんだ。ずっと見たかったんだよね、この映画。あ、もうすぐ六時半。そろそろ行かなきゃ） T: Wow, I just made it - now I wonder where Akiko is? Let me give her a call…oh, no signal… A: （うーん映画７時半からなのに、ちょっと遅いな、ティナ。早く来ないかな。携帯に電話してみよう…と思ったらここ、電波がないや） T: Well, it's almost 7:30 - I can't figure out where she could be…let me call again…arrgghh, no signal again! What should I do? A: （あああ、もう映画始まっちゃうよ。もう一回ティナに電話してみよう） T: Oh, Akiko, where are you….darnit, no signal, okay, I'll have to send a message…I hate using text messages, sigh…I AM HERE, WHERE ARE YOU? A: I AM STANDING IN FRONT OF THE TICKET PERSON T: I DON'T SEE YOU AT ALL…let me walk around the booth…no, no A: …wait a minute…ARE YOU IN SHINJUKU? A: （新宿？　なんで？　新宿なわけないじゃない。オフィスの近くの東映って言ったのに） A: NO IT IS TOEI CINEMA IN SHIBUYA. ARE YOU IN SHINJYUKU? T: YES, I AM. Oh brother. WHY DON'T WE BOTH GO SEE THE MOVIE AND MEET IN SHIBUYA? AT LEAST WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT! A: OKAY, I AM VERY SORRY, I SHOULD HAVE MADE SURE. T: NO PROBLEM, ME TOO. ENJOY THE MOVIE. LET'S MEET AT HACHIKO AT 9:30. A: OKAY, I WILL SEE YOU LATER. GOODBYE. T: BYE.

hang out : 一緒に出かける
signal : 電波
figure out : 〜であるとわかる
text messages : メール（この場合は携帯メールのこと）

▼ Drama 〜Part.1
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story begins in a crowded bar in Shinjuku. MGT Global Insurance is having a get together party for employees scattered all over Japan. Akiko really wants to get to know her co-workers - especially her English-speaking co-workers…

A: （すごい、みんな英語でしゃべってる！　ええっと、私も英語でしゃべらなきゃ、英語に頭を切り替えて…）Hello. How are you? My name is Akiko. M: Oh. Hello. I'm Miriam. Nice to meet you. A: Ah... (あれ、全然話が続かない……、他に何て言えばいいんだろう？） T: Hi Miriam! M: Oh, hello Tina. I'm sorry, I see Paul over there and we really have to talk… T: Well, she acted kind of weird. Oh well, anyway, how are you? I'm Tina. A: （ああ、なんかいい感じの人が現れた！　この人となら友達になれそう！) Hello. I am Akiko. How are you?

insurance : 保険
scattered all over Japan : 日本中に点在する
acted kind of weird : 何だかおかしい行動をした

▼ Drama 〜Part.2
　 （N: Narrator, A: Akiko, T: Tina）

N: Our story continues with Akiko and Tina getting to know each other in a quiet part of the bar.

T: I'm okay. So let me see, that tag says you work for…What does ECO stand for, what office are you in? A: I am in the Environmental Consulting office. I am the Office Manager. T: Wow, you guys must be pretty busy with the new regulations…well, I'm in retail marketing. We're pretty sure there's going to be a big immigrant market, although it's a bit contrarian to think that way… A: (うわ、今度はすごく早くしゃべり始めた、コントラリってなに？） T: and I think my boss is pretty… A: I'm sorry T: huh? What's the matter? What are you sorry for? A: I'm sorry - I..could you please slow down a little? T: Oh! I'm so sorry, too - it didn't even occur to me to slow down, I feel so comfortable talking with you. Sorry about that. Okay, so, here's the thing… A: What thing? T: well, it's not really that there's a thing, it's just an expression. A: sigh…I'm sorry, my English is really…not good… T: Oh, don't worry about it - by the time you take the intensive workshop, you'll be much more confident… A: I heard about the workshop. It sounds very difficult… T: Yes, but you get to go away for a few days…I think that's a great way to immerse yourself in a language… A: immerse means…? T: Oh, you know, bury yourself. Um, flood your mind with the language… A: Oh, I see. Well, I am a little nervous about it, but I hope it will work. I really want to speak English! T: Well, you're not doing badly right now…don't worry, I know two people who took the course and they came back with nothing but raves!

new regulations：新しい法規制
retail marketing：小売りマーケティング
big immigrant market：移民を対象とした大きな市場
contrarian：人と反対の行動をとる人
here's the thing：実はこういうことなの。the thing＝大事な要点のこと
immerse yourself：〜に没頭する
raves：絶賛