第07回2005.02.23

ワンポイント英会話～日本の街、地域等の英語での説明方法　第7回

前回は、ご自分のホームタウンの自慢として、その街の有名な特産、見所、人物などについての語り方を学びました。

■今回のワンポイント
市町村の人口、主要産業等の基本情報を外国人に紹介した際、それに対して、いろいろな質問がなされるかと思います。
また、場合によっては、政策・方針などのように、やや英語での回答が難しいものもあるかと思います。
今回は、いろいろな質問とそれに対する答の例を挙げてみました。参考になれば幸いです。
◇　What food or drink is popular in your village?
・回答例１
　Fresh crab and other seafood are very popular in our village.
・回答例２
　We grow many delicious fruits in our town.
・回答例３
　Our city is famous for its senbei crackers.
◇　Are there any places children can enjoy in your city?
・回答例１
　The children's museum is very popular with children in our city.
・回答例２
　Children love the nature park in our village.
・回答例３
　Many children like to ski at our resort.　
◇　Are there any famous people who are (or were) from your town?
・回答例１
　Juji Ishii, a pioneer of modern social welfare in Japan, was from our town.（宮崎県高鍋町）
・回答例２
　Takashi Yanase, the creator of the children's cartoon hero, Anpanman, was born in our town.（高知県香北町）
・回答例３
　The very popular actor, Ken Takakura, was born in our city.（福岡県中間市）
◇　What is the most popular place to visit in your village?
・回答例１
　Many people enjoy the natural hot spring baths at our spa.
・回答例２
　Our main shopping area attracts people from many places.
・回答例３
　Our beach is the most popular spot in the summer.

◇　What's the best or worst thing that has ever happened in your city's past?
・回答例１
　Last year's International Sailing Ship Festival was the best thing.
・回答例２
　The air raid of March 21st 1945 was the worst thing that happened here.
・回答例３
　The best thing to happen here was when the skier from our town won the gold medal.
・回答例４
　The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 was our town's biggest crisis.

◇　Are there any popular festivals in your town?
・回答例１
　The Jidai Matsuri, or Historical Festival, is very popular and lots of fun.
・回答例２
　Many people enjoy our Fertility Festival in the spring.
・回答例３
　Our annual International Jazz Festival is always a big hit.

◇　What fun activities do people do in your village?
・回答例１
　People enjoy fishing in the lake.
・回答例２
　Many people like to walk around the historical part of our town.
・回答例３
　The night-life is very exciting and popular in our city.

英語で市町村を紹介すれば、相手が上のような質問を聞き、興味を示します。がんばって答えてあげましょう。
次回は市町村の情勢や方針等についてのＱ＆Ａを紹介します。お楽しみに！　頑張って！(R.P.)