ジョン万次郎の生涯を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、激動の人生を送ったジョン万次郎に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報は以下の通りです。
- ジョン万次郎（中濱万次郎）の生涯:
- 1827年、土佐国（現在の高知県）に生まれた
- 1841年（14歳）に漁に出て遭難、アメリカの捕鯨船に救助された
- アメリカで約10年間生活、英語や西洋の文化・技術を学んだ
- 1851年に日本に帰国
- 歴史的背景：
- 日本への帰国と貢献:
- 通訳として活動、日米和親条約の締結時に手助け
- 西洋の技術や知識を日本に伝え、近代化に貢献
- 文化の架け橋としての役割:
- 日本とアメリカの文化の架け橋として、両国の理解と交流を深める上で重要な役割を果たした
2人がジョン万次郎について話しています。
彼が14歳で遭難しアメリカに渡ったこと、アメリカでの生活、帰国後の通訳としての活躍、日本の開国と近代化への貢献、そして文化交流の象徴としての彼の影響などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in John Manjiro lately. Do you know much about him?
Yeah, John Manjiro is a fascinating figure. He was actually one of the first Japanese people to live in the United States. He got stranded on a deserted island as a teenager and was rescued by an American whaling ship.
That’s right! I read that he was only 14 when it happened. It must have been such a shock to suddenly find himself in a completely different world.
Absolutely. He ended up living in America for several years. He learned English and a lot about Western technology and culture. That was really rare for a Japanese person at that time.
I can imagine. I heard he even got a new name there—John Manjiro. It’s amazing how he adapted to a new culture and language.
Yes, and when he returned to Japan, he helped as an interpreter. He was especially valuable during the negotiations with Commodore Perry that led to the Treaty of Peace and Amity. His knowledge of English and American ways helped smooth the communication process.
So he wasn’t directly negotiating the treaty but more like assisting and advising?
Exactly. He provided useful insights and helped the Japanese understand the Americans better. His role was supportive but still quite important given the circumstances.
It’s impressive. His skills must have been invaluable. He basically helped open Japan to the world, didn’t he?
He did. After returning, he also shared what he learned in America, teaching navigation and Western technology, which contributed to Japan’s modernization.
I read that he had a strong sense of resilience too. I mean, to survive such a long journey and then make a new life in a foreign land, that takes a lot of courage.
Definitely. His story is all about perseverance and the willingness to learn. He didn’t give up, even in the face of huge challenges.
And what about his legacy? How is he remembered today?
He’s remembered as a cultural bridge between Japan and the West. There are museums and memorials dedicated to him, especially in his hometown in Kochi Prefecture and in places he lived in the U.S. like Fairhaven.
It’s so inspiring. I’d love to visit those places and learn more about him firsthand. He seems like someone who truly embodied the spirit of cultural exchange.
Absolutely, visiting those places would be a great way to understand his impact better. He really made history by connecting two very different worlds.
It’s incredible how one person’s experience can influence an entire country’s history. Manjiro’s story really shows the power of education and curiosity.
I agree. His life is a testament to the importance of being open to new experiences and learning from them. It’s a great story of adventure and growth.
Definitely. I’m inspired to learn more about him and maybe even write something for my blog. It’s such a rich and interesting topic.
That sounds like a great idea, Mack. I’m sure many people would find his story as fascinating as we do.
概要 / overview
「ジョン万次郎」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
ジョン万次郎
Early Life and Stranded
John Manjiro, also known as Nakahama Manjiro, was born in 1827 in Tosa Province, Japan. At 14, he was shipwrecked with his friends and stranded on a deserted island. They were rescued by an American whaling ship. Manjiro was taken to the United States, where he experienced a completely new culture.
Life in America
In America, Manjiro learned English and Western customs. He lived there for several years, gaining knowledge about navigation and other skills. This was a rare opportunity for a Japanese person at that time, as Japan was largely isolated from the rest of the world.
Return to Japan
After returning to Japan, Manjiro served as an interpreter and advisor during the country’s initial interactions with the West. He helped during the negotiations for the Treaty of Peace and Amity, providing valuable insights due to his understanding of English and American culture.
Legacy
Manjiro is remembered as a cultural bridge between Japan and the United States. He helped introduce Western technology and ideas to Japan, playing a key role in the country’s modernization. His story is one of resilience and the power of learning.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「ジョン万次郎」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: Who was John Manjiro?
John Manjiro, also known as Nakahama Manjiro, was a Japanese fisherman who was rescued by an American whaling ship after being stranded on a deserted island. He is known for being one of the first Japanese people to live in the United States.
2: How did John Manjiro get stranded?
When he was 14 years old, Manjiro was shipwrecked with his friends while fishing. They drifted to a deserted island, where they were later rescued by an American whaling ship.
3: Where did John Manjiro live in the United States?
John Manjiro lived in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where he learned English and Western culture. He also attended school there and learned navigation.
4: What did John Manjiro do when he returned to Japan?
After returning to Japan, Manjiro became an interpreter and advisor. He helped the Japanese government in its interactions with the West, especially during the signing of important treaties with the United States.
5: Why is John Manjiro important in Japanese history?
John Manjiro is important because he helped Japan understand Western culture and technology. He played a role in Japan's modernization and helped open the country to international relations.
6: How did John Manjiro help with the Treaty of Peace and Amity?
John Manjiro helped as an interpreter during the negotiations between Japan and the United States. His knowledge of English and American culture made communication smoother during these important discussions.
7: What did John Manjiro teach in Japan?
John Manjiro taught Western navigation techniques and shared knowledge of Western technology, contributing to Japan's efforts to modernize.
8: What is John Manjiro remembered for?
John Manjiro is remembered as a cultural bridge between Japan and the United States. His experience living in America helped improve relations between the two countries.
9: Where can you learn more about John Manjiro?
You can learn more about John Manjiro at the John Manjiro Museum in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, or by visiting historical sites in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where he lived.
10: How did John Manjiro’s story influence Japanese modernization?
John Manjiro’s exposure to Western ideas and technology helped Japan modernize by introducing new concepts in navigation, education, and international diplomacy. His efforts made Japan more open to the world.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in John Manjiro lately. Do you know much about him?
ねぇ、キー。最近、ジョン万次郎にすごく興味があるんだ。彼のこと知ってる？
Yeah, John Manjiro is a fascinating figure. He was actually one of the first Japanese people to live in the United States. He got stranded on a deserted island as a teenager and was rescued by an American whaling ship.
うん、ジョン万次郎はすごく興味深い人物だよ。実は彼はアメリカに住んだ最初の日本人の一人なんだ。10代の頃に無人島に漂流して、アメリカの捕鯨船に助けられたんだ。
That’s right! I read that he was only 14 when it happened. It must have been such a shock to suddenly find himself in a completely different world.
そうだね！彼がその時14歳だったって読んだよ。突然全く違う世界にいるってすごくショックだっただろうね。
Absolutely. He ended up living in America for several years. He learned English and a lot about Western technology and culture. That was really rare for a Japanese person at that time.
本当にね。彼は結局数年間アメリカに住んで、英語や西洋の技術、文化について多くを学んだんだ。当時の日本人にとってはとても珍しいことだったよ。
I can imagine. I heard he even got a new name there—John Manjiro. It’s amazing how he adapted to a new culture and language.
想像できるよ。彼はそこで新しい名前、ジョン万次郎をもらったって聞いた。新しい文化や言語に適応したのは本当にすごいね。
Yes, and when he returned to Japan, he helped as an interpreter. He was especially valuable during the negotiations with Commodore Perry that led to the Treaty of Peace and Amity. His knowledge of English and American ways helped smooth the communication process.
そうなんだ。そして日本に帰国した時、通訳として手助けをしたんだ。特にペリー提督との交渉の際に役立ったよ。彼の英語とアメリカの習慣に関する知識が、交渉を円滑に進めるのに貢献したんだ。
So he wasn’t directly negotiating the treaty but more like assisting and advising?
じゃあ、彼は直接条約を交渉していたわけではなくて、手助けやアドバイスをしていたってこと？
Exactly. He provided useful insights and helped the Japanese understand the Americans better. His role was supportive but still quite important given the circumstances.
その通り。彼は有益な見識を提供して、日本人がアメリカ人をよりよく理解する手助けをしたんだ。状況を考えると、彼の役割は支援的だったけど、それでもかなり重要だったんだよ。
It’s impressive. His skills must have been invaluable. He basically helped open Japan to the world, didn’t he?
感動的だね。彼のスキルは本当に貴重だったんだろうね。彼は基本的に日本を世界に開かせる手助けをしたんだね。
He did. After returning, he also shared what he learned in America, teaching navigation and Western technology, which contributed to Japan’s modernization.
そうなんだ。彼は帰国後、アメリカで学んだことを共有して、航海術や西洋の技術を教えて、日本の近代化に貢献したんだ。
I read that he had a strong sense of resilience too. I mean, to survive such a long journey and then make a new life in a foreign land, that takes a lot of courage.
彼は強い回復力も持っていたって読んだよ。長い旅を生き延びて、異国で新しい生活を始めるのは、すごく勇気がいるよね。
Definitely. His story is all about perseverance and the willingness to learn. He didn’t give up, even in the face of huge challenges.
間違いないよ。彼の話は忍耐と学ぶ意欲についてのものだね。大きな困難に直面しても諦めなかったんだ。
And what about his legacy? How is he remembered today?
彼の遺産についてはどう？今ではどのように記憶されているの？
He’s remembered as a cultural bridge between Japan and the West. There are museums and memorials dedicated to him, especially in his hometown in Kochi Prefecture and in places he lived in the U.S. like Fairhaven.
彼は日本と西洋の文化の架け橋として記憶されているよ。彼にちなんだ博物館や記念碑があるんだ。特に高知県の故郷や、アメリカで彼が住んでいたフェアヘイブンなどにね。
It’s so inspiring. I’d love to visit those places and learn more about him firsthand. He seems like someone who truly embodied the spirit of cultural exchange.
とても感動的だね。その場所に行って、彼についてもっと直接学びたいな。彼は本当に文化交流の精神を体現している人のようだね。
Absolutely, visiting those places would be a great way to understand his impact better. He really made history by connecting two very different worlds.
間違いないね。そういう場所を訪れるのは、彼の影響をよりよく理解するのにいい方法だよ。彼は本当に異なる二つの世界をつなげたんだ。
It’s incredible how one person’s experience can influence an entire country’s history. Manjiro’s story really shows the power of education and curiosity.
一人の経験が国全体の歴史に影響を与えるってすごいことだよね。万次郎の話は本当に教育と好奇心の力を示しているね。
I agree. His life is a testament to the importance of being open to new experiences and learning from them. It’s a great story of adventure and growth.
その通りだね。彼の人生は新しい経験に対してオープンでいることと、そこから学ぶことの重要性を示しているよ。それは冒険と成長の素晴らしい物語だね。
Definitely. I’m inspired to learn more about him and maybe even write something for my blog. It’s such a rich and interesting topic.
本当にね。彼についてもっと学びたいし、ブログにも何か書こうかな。すごく豊かで興味深い話題だよね。
That sounds like a great idea, Mack. I’m sure many people would find his story as fascinating as we do.
いいアイデアだね、マック。きっと多くの人が僕たちと同じように彼の話を面白いと思うよ。
概要 / overview
ジョン万次郎
Early Life and Stranded
John Manjiro, also known as Nakahama Manjiro, was born in 1827 in Tosa Province, Japan. At 14, he was shipwrecked with his friends and stranded on a deserted island. They were rescued by an American whaling ship. Manjiro was taken to the United States, where he experienced a completely new culture.
ジョン万次郎、またの名を中浜万次郎は、1827年に日本の土佐国で生まれました。14歳のとき、友人たちと共に船が難破し、無人島に漂着しました。彼らはアメリカの捕鯨船に救助されました。万次郎はアメリカに連れて行かれ、全く新しい文化を体験しました。
Life in America
In America, Manjiro learned English and Western customs. He lived there for several years, gaining knowledge about navigation and other skills. This was a rare opportunity for a Japanese person at that time, as Japan was largely isolated from the rest of the world.
アメリカで万次郎は英語や西洋の習慣を学びました。彼は数年間そこで過ごし、航海術やその他の技術について知識を得ました。当時、日本は他国からほぼ孤立していたため、これは日本人にとって非常に稀な機会でした。
Return to Japan
After returning to Japan, Manjiro served as an interpreter and advisor during the country’s initial interactions with the West. He helped during the negotiations for the Treaty of Peace and Amity, providing valuable insights due to his understanding of English and American culture.
日本に帰国した後、万次郎は通訳や顧問として西洋との最初の接触で活躍しました。彼は日米和親条約の交渉時に役立ち、英語やアメリカ文化への理解から貴重な洞察を提供しました。
Legacy
Manjiro is remembered as a cultural bridge between Japan and the United States. He helped introduce Western technology and ideas to Japan, playing a key role in the country’s modernization. His story is one of resilience and the power of learning.
万次郎は、日本とアメリカの文化的な架け橋として記憶されています。彼は西洋の技術や思想を日本に紹介し、日本の近代化に重要な役割を果たしました。彼の物語は、回復力と学ぶことの力を示すものです。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: Who was John Manjiro?
ジョン万次郎とは誰ですか？
John Manjiro, also known as Nakahama Manjiro, was a Japanese fisherman who was rescued by an American whaling ship after being stranded on a deserted island. He is known for being one of the first Japanese people to live in the United States.
ジョン万次郎は、無人島に漂着した後、アメリカの捕鯨船に救助された日本の漁師です。彼はアメリカに住んだ最初の日本人の一人として知られています。
2: How did John Manjiro get stranded?
ジョン万次郎はどうして立ち往生したのですか？
When he was 14 years old, Manjiro was shipwrecked with his friends while fishing. They drifted to a deserted island, where they were later rescued by an American whaling ship.
14歳のとき、万次郎は友人たちと漁をしている途中で難破しました。彼らは無人島に漂着し、その後アメリカの捕鯨船に救助されました。
3: Where did John Manjiro live in the United States?
ジョン万次郎はアメリカのどこに住んでいましたか？
John Manjiro lived in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where he learned English and Western culture. He also attended school there and learned navigation.
ジョン万次郎はマサチューセッツ州のフェアヘイブンに住み、英語や西洋文化を学びました。彼はそこで学校にも通い、航海術も学びました。
4: What did John Manjiro do when he returned to Japan?
ジョン万次郎は日本に帰国後、何をしましたか？
After returning to Japan, Manjiro served as an interpreter and advisor. He helped the Japanese government in its interactions with the West, especially during the signing of important treaties with the United States.
日本に帰国後、万次郎は通訳や顧問として活動しました。彼は日本政府が西洋と交渉する際、特にアメリカとの重要な条約の締結時に貢献しました。
5: Why is John Manjiro important in Japanese history?
ジョン万次郎はなぜ日本の歴史において重要なのですか？
John Manjiro is important because he helped Japan understand Western culture and technology. He played a role in Japan's modernization and helped open the country to international relations.
ジョン万次郎は、日本が西洋の文化や技術を理解する手助けをしたため、重要な人物です。彼は日本の近代化に貢献し、国際関係の扉を開きました。
6: How did John Manjiro help with the Treaty of Peace and Amity?
ジョン万次郎は日米和親条約でどのように役立ちましたか？
John Manjiro helped as an interpreter during the negotiations between Japan and the United States. His knowledge of English and American culture made communication smoother during these important discussions.
ジョン万次郎は日米間の交渉で通訳として貢献しました。彼の英語とアメリカ文化に関する知識は、重要な話し合いをスムーズに進める助けとなりました。
7: What did John Manjiro teach in Japan?
ジョン万次郎は日本で何を教えましたか？
John Manjiro taught Western navigation techniques and shared knowledge of Western technology, contributing to Japan's efforts to modernize.
ジョン万次郎は西洋の航海術を教え、西洋の技術に関する知識を共有し、日本の近代化に貢献しました。
8: What is John Manjiro remembered for?
ジョン万次郎はどのように記憶されていますか？
John Manjiro is remembered as a cultural bridge between Japan and the United States. His experience living in America helped improve relations between the two countries.
ジョン万次郎は日本とアメリカの文化の架け橋として記憶されています。彼のアメリカでの経験は、両国の関係改善に役立ちました。
9: Where can you learn more about John Manjiro?
ジョン万次郎についてもっと学べる場所はどこですか？
You can learn more about John Manjiro at the John Manjiro Museum in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, or by visiting historical sites in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where he lived.
ジョン万次郎については、高知県のジョン万次郎記念館や、彼が住んでいたマサチューセッツ州フェアヘイブンの歴史的な場所で学べます。
10: How did John Manjiro’s story influence Japanese modernization?
ジョン万次郎の物語は日本の近代化にどのように影響しましたか？
John Manjiro’s exposure to Western ideas and technology helped Japan modernize by introducing new concepts in navigation, education, and international diplomacy. His efforts made Japan more open to the world.
ジョン万次郎が触れた西洋の思想や技術は、航海術、教育、国際外交の新しい概念を日本に紹介し、近代化を促しました。彼の努力は日本を世界により開かれた国にしました。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと概要に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
stranded : 形容詞
意味: 立ち往生した、孤立した。Left in a difficult or helpless situation without a way to move or escape.
（ジョン万次郎が無人島に取り残されていた状態を指す）
例文：
- The boat was stranded on the island after the storm.
「嵐の後、船は島で立ち往生していた。」 - She felt stranded without her phone in the unfamiliar city.
「彼女は慣れない街で電話を持たずに立ち往生した気分だった。」 - The hikers were stranded in the mountains overnight.
「登山者たちは一晩中山に取り残された。」
deserted : 形容詞
意味: 人気のない、放棄された。Empty of people; abandoned.
（ジョン万次郎が漂着した無人島の状態を指す）
例文：
- The town was completely deserted after the factory closed.
「工場が閉鎖された後、町は完全に人気がなくなった。」 - They found a deserted beach and decided to camp there.
「彼らは誰もいないビーチを見つけ、そこでキャンプをすることにした。」 - The deserted house stood alone in the field.
「その放棄された家は野原にぽつんと立っていた。」
invaluable : 形容詞
意味: 計り知れないほど貴重な。Extremely useful or valuable.
（ジョン万次郎のスキルや知識が日本にとって非常に貴重だったことを示す）
例文：
- Her experience was invaluable to the team’s success.
「彼女の経験はチームの成功に計り知れない価値があった。」 - This advice proved to be invaluable for the project.
「このアドバイスはプロジェクトにとって非常に貴重なものとなった。」 - The old book contained invaluable information about the town’s history.
「その古い本には町の歴史に関する計り知れないほど貴重な情報が含まれていた。」
perseverance : 名詞
意味: 忍耐力、粘り強さ。The continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
（ジョン万次郎が困難な状況にもかかわらず学び続けた姿勢を表す）
例文：
- His perseverance paid off when he finally passed the exam.
「彼の忍耐力は、ついに試験に合格したことで報われた。」 - Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges.
「困難を克服するためには忍耐力が鍵となる。」 - The athlete’s perseverance inspired many people.
「そのアスリートの粘り強さは多くの人々にインスピレーションを与えた。」
resilience : 名詞
意味: 回復力、弾力性。The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
（ジョン万次郎が困難を乗り越えて新たな生活を築いた力を指す）
例文：
- Resilience is an important trait for success.
「回復力は成功するために重要な特性だ。」 - The community showed great resilience after the natural disaster.
「そのコミュニティは自然災害後に素晴らしい回復力を見せた。」 - Children often have remarkable resilience in difficult situations.
「子供たちは困難な状況でも驚くべき回復力を持っていることが多い。」
詳細情報 / Further Info
Recommended Resources
John Manjiro Museum Official Website
Learn more about John Manjiro and his museum, its exhibits, and visitor information on the official website.
ジョン万次郎資料館公式ウェブサイト
ジョン万次郎と彼の博物館、その展示内容、そして訪問者向けの情報について公式ウェブサイトで詳しく知ることができます。
会話 / dialogue about John Manjiro Museum
２人がジョン万次郎資料館について話しています。
実際に訪れた体験を基に、資料館の展示内容や特徴、ジョン万次郎の漂流からアメリカでの生活、日本帰国後の近代化への貢献までを網羅し、展示のインタラクティブな要素やカフェについても話題にしています。
Hey Key, I visited the John Manjiro Museum last weekend. It was incredible!
ねぇキー、先週末にジョン万次郎資料館に行ってきたよ。本当に素晴らしかった！
Really? I’ve always wanted to go. What did you see there?
本当？ずっと行きたいと思ってたんだ。そこでは何が見られるの？
Well, the museum is in Tosashimizu City, and it tells the whole story of John Manjiro’s life. The first section covers his early years, including the shipwreck that stranded him on a deserted island.
資料館は土佐清水市にあって、ジョン万次郎の生涯全体を紹介しているんだ。最初のセクションでは、彼の若い頃について扱っていて、無人島に漂着した船の難破の話も含まれているよ。
Oh, that must’ve been tough for a teenager. Did they explain how he was rescued?
うわ、それは10代の少年にはきつかっただろうね。彼がどうやって救助されたのか説明はあったの？
Yes, they even have a model of the whaling ship, the “John Howland,” that rescued him. It’s amazing to see how he went from being stranded to living in America.
うん、彼を救助した捕鯨船「ジョン・ハウランド号」の模型も展示されていたよ。漂流生活からアメリカでの生活に至るまでの彼の人生を見られるのはすごいよね。
That’s incredible. What about his time in America?
それはすごいね。彼のアメリカでの生活についてはどうだった？
There’s a section about his life in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. It shows how he learned English, navigation, and Western customs. They even display old maps and navigation tools similar to what he would’ve used.
マサチューセッツ州フェアヘイブンでの生活についてのセクションもあってね。彼が英語や航海術、西洋の習慣をどう学んだかが展示されているんだ。彼が使っていたものに似た古い地図や航海道具も展示されているよ。
That sounds fascinating. Did they cover his return to Japan?
それは面白そうだね。彼の日本帰国についても展示されてた？
Absolutely. They explain how he became a key figure in Japan’s modernization. There’s a detailed display about his work as an interpreter during the Treaty of Peace and Amity negotiations.
もちろん。彼が日本の近代化において重要な人物になった過程を説明していたよ。日米和親条約の交渉時に通訳として活躍したことについても詳しく展示されていた。
I had no idea he was involved in that. Were there interactive exhibits?
そんな役割があったなんて知らなかったよ。インタラクティブな展示はあった？
Yes, they have projection mapping that recreates his journey and life. There’s also a trick art section that kids seemed to love—it really brings history to life.
あったよ。プロジェクションマッピングで彼の旅や生涯を再現していて、子どもたちが楽しんでいたトリックアートのセクションもあった。歴史が本当に生き生きと感じられたよ。
That’s great! What’s on the second floor?
いいね！2階には何があったの？
The second floor focuses on cultural exchange between Japan and America. It highlights his connection with Fairhaven and includes models of ships and photos of the places he lived.
2階は日本とアメリカの文化交流に焦点を当てていてね。フェアヘイブンとのつながりが紹介されていて、船の模型や彼が住んでいた場所の写真も展示されていたよ。
Sounds like they really thought of everything. How much is the entrance fee?
細かいところまでしっかり考えられているね。入館料はいくらだった？
It’s 440 yen for adults and 220 yen for kids. And children under elementary school age can enter for free.
大人は440円で、子どもは220円。小学生未満は無料だよ。
That’s very reasonable. Was there anywhere to eat?
すごくお手頃だね。食事ができる場所はあった？
Yes, they have a café called “Kaikaze Shokudo.” It’s perfect for taking a break after exploring the exhibits.
うん、「海風食堂」というカフェがあったよ。展示を見た後に休憩するのにぴったりだった。
This sounds like a must-visit. Thanks for sharing all the details!
それは絶対に行くべき場所だね。詳しく教えてくれてありがとう！
You’re welcome! Let me know when you go—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did.
どういたしまして！行ったら教えてね。きっと僕と同じくらい気に入ると思うよ！
会話 / dialogue about John Manjiro’s English Journey
2人がジョン万次郎がどのように英語を学び、それが彼の人生や日本に与えた影響について話しています。
万次郎がアメリカで英語を習得した方法や、通訳として日本の近代化に貢献したことを中心に、現代の英語学習者にとって参考になるポイントを話題にしています。
Hey Key, have you ever heard about John Manjiro and how he learned English?
ねぇキー、ジョン万次郎と彼が英語をどう学んだかって聞いたことある？
Yeah, I know a little. He was rescued by an American whaling ship, right? Didn’t he end up living in America for a while?
うん、少しだけね。彼はアメリカの捕鯨船に救助されたんだよね？その後、しばらくアメリカで暮らしたんでしょ？
That’s right. He was only 14 when he was shipwrecked and taken to Fairhaven, Massachusetts. It’s incredible how he started learning English in such a tough situation.
その通り。彼は14歳のときに難破して、マサチューセッツ州のフェアヘイブンに連れて行かれたんだ。そんな厳しい状況で英語を学び始めたのはすごいよね。
How did he manage to learn? It must’ve been so overwhelming for him.
どうやって学んだの？きっと彼にとっては圧倒されるような経験だったんじゃない？
At first, he learned by listening and trying to communicate with the crew on the ship. Later, in America, he attended school, where he studied English, navigation, and other subjects.
最初は船の乗組員の話を聞いたり、コミュニケーションを取ろうとする中で学んだんだ。それからアメリカでは学校に通って、英語や航海術、それに他の科目も勉強したんだよ。
So he had formal education too. That must have been rare for someone from Japan at that time.
じゃあ、正式な教育も受けたんだね。当時の日本人にとってそれは珍しいことだったに違いないね。
Exactly. But he also learned a lot just by living in an English-speaking environment. He practiced English every day in real-life situations.
その通り。でも、彼は英語を話す環境で生活するだけでも多くを学んだんだ。日常の中で毎日英語を練習していたんだよ。
That’s a great way to learn. Did he ever feel discouraged?
それって最高の学び方だね。彼が落ち込んだことってあったのかな？
Probably, but he didn’t give up. He was determined to improve, and he even studied on his own. For example, he practiced navigation terms and learned about Western technology.
おそらくそうだっただろうけど、彼は諦めなかったよ。上達することに意欲的で、自分でも勉強していたんだ。たとえば、航海用語を練習したり、西洋の技術について学んだりしてね。
That’s inspiring. And when he returned to Japan, his English must’ve been really useful.
それは感動的だね。日本に戻ったときには、彼の英語が本当に役立ったに違いないね。
Definitely. He became an interpreter for the Japanese government. His skills were crucial during the Treaty of Peace and Amity negotiations.
間違いないよ。彼は日本政府の通訳になったんだ。日米和親条約の交渉のときに、彼のスキルは本当に重要だったんだよ。
I can see why he’s considered a pioneer. What can English learners today take from his story?
だから彼が先駆者とみなされているのがわかるよね。現代の英語学習者は彼の話から何を学べると思う？
A lot! First, the importance of practicing in real-life situations. Manjiro learned English by using it, not just studying from a book.
たくさんあるよ！まず、実生活の中で練習することの重要性だね。万次郎は、本だけでなく実際に使うことで英語を学んだんだ。
That’s true. Immersion is so effective.
それは本当だね。没入することってとても効果的だよね。
Exactly. And his self-motivation is another big lesson. Even without formal resources, he kept learning on his own.
その通り。そして、彼の自己モチベーションも大きな教訓だよ。正式な教材がなくても、彼は自分で学び続けたんだ。
And he wasn’t afraid to make mistakes, right？
それに、彼は間違えることを恐れなかったんだよね？
Right. That’s another thing we can learn from him. Making mistakes is part of the process.
そうだよ。それも彼から学べることのひとつだね。間違えることは学びのプロセスの一部なんだ。
He really set an example of how perseverance pays off.
彼は本当に、粘り強さが報われることを示した例だね。
Totally. His story shows that anyone can achieve fluency with dedication and practice.
まったくだよ。彼の話は、努力と練習で誰でも流暢に話せるようになることを示しているよ。
I think his journey is so relatable for language learners today.
彼の旅路って、現代の語学学習者にとても共感できる話だと思うよ。
Agreed. It reminds us that language learning is not just about studying—it’s about experiencing and connecting.
同感だよ。語学学習は勉強だけじゃなくて、体験してつながることなんだって思い出させてくれるね。
Absolutely. I’m feeling motivated to practice more now!
まさにその通り。もっと練習するモチベーションが湧いてきたよ！
Me too. Let’s keep at it, and who knows? Maybe we’ll make history too!
僕もだよ。続けていこう、もしかしたら僕たちも歴史を作れるかもね！
Sounds like a plan! Thanks for sharing all this, Mack.
それいいね！全部教えてくれてありがとう、マック。
Anytime! Let’s keep learning.
いつでもどういたしまして！これからも学び続けよう！