Language skills

Press, 19 February 1986, Page 18

Language skills

Sir,— Despite recent criticism of linguistically-barren New Zealanders dealing with non-English-speaking tourists, five advertisements in “The Press” in the last fortnight for tourist restaurant staff, hotel receptionists, and airline crew, have not mentioned language skills. Noahs Hotel not only seeks a chef d’partie (no such French exists), but should lead the way with Air New Zealand in employing staff trained in Japanese language and culture. Yet neither company advertises for staff speaking even simple Japanese. In 1986, why not? The one recent advertisement seeking Japanese skills, also included the nonsensical statement "fluency in English also required.” This statement is no more than an underhand way of stating preference for a native Japanese, rather than encouraging locals to apply. Kiwis are welcomed to Japan in English, by Japanese people. tourists here have repeatedly

expressed disappointment that they have not been welcomed in Japanese by New Zealanders.— Yours, etc., A. McLAUCHLAN. February 15, 1986.