Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
That sounds like afantastic trip, Jeff.
For a 14 day conversationalJapanese class process,
I'd suggest focusing on practicaland daily use language skills
that will help you navigateTokyo more smoothly.
Welcome back Jeff Frick herefor another episode of ‘Turn the Lens’
with our ongoing conversations with ChatGPT.
(00:20):
And we'vebeen heading,
been hitting the heavy topics of ethics and explainable AI.
And I think there are somereal challenges there that,
that we have to overcome.
But anyway, I want to do somethinga little bit more fun.
So in this episode, we're going to do a different type of project
and not go quite so heavy and deep, but hopefully,
(00:42):
have some fun with ChatGPTand get some answers.
So here we go.
Hello, ChatGPT.
Welcome back to another episode of Turn the Lens with Jeff Frick.
Hello, Jeff.
It's great to be back on Turn the Lens.
What's on the agendafor today's episode?
(01:05):
Okay, so here'sthe situation.
I am going to be taking, a little vacation to Tokyo
in about a month or so.
So I need, like, a 14 day
conversational Japanese,
class process lesson.
(01:32):
That sounds like afantastic trip, Jeff.
For a 14 day conversationalJapanese class process,
I'd suggest focusing on practicaland daily use language skills
that will help you navigate Tokyo more smoothly.
Here's a rough plan you could consider.
Absolutely.
I'd be glad to help you get started with some basic
conversational Japanese.
(01:54):
Let's cover some essential phrases and topics
that you canpractice each week
leading up to your trip.
Here's a simple three weekplan to guide your learning.
Week 1 (02:03):
Basic Greetings
and Essentials
Greetings and introductions.
Hello:
こんにちは
(Konnichiwa) (02:09):
undefined
Good morning:
おはようございます
(Ohayou gozaimasu) (02:10):
undefined
Good evening:
こんばんは
(Konbanwa) (02:12):
undefined
My name is [name]:
私の名前は[name]です
(Watashi no namae wa [name] desu) (02:14):
undefined
Nice to meet you:
はじめまして
(Hajimemashite) (02:18):
undefined
Please:
お願いします
(Onegaishimasu) (02:20):
undefined
Thank you:
ありがとうございます
(Arigatou gozaimasu) (02:23):
undefined
You're welcome:
どういたしまして
(Dou itashimashite) (02:27):
undefined
Excuse me / Sorry:
すみません
(Sumimasen) (02:30):
undefined
Week 2 (02:33):
Everyday Conversations
and Asking for Help
How much is this?:
これはいくらですか?
(Kore wa ikura desu ka?) (02:38):
undefined
Can I have this?:
これをください
(Kore wo kudasai) (02:41):
undefined
Directions and places
Where is the [place]?:
[place]はどこですか?
([Place] wa doko desu ka?) (02:47):
undefined
How do I get to [place]?:
[place]へはどうやって行けますか?
([Place] e wa dou yatte ikemasu ka?) (02:50):
undefined
Bathroom:
トイレ
(Toire) (02:54):
undefined
I'd like this, please:
これをお願いします
(Kore wo onegaishimasu) (02:56):
undefined
A table for [number], please:
[number]名様でお願いします
([number] mei-sama de onegaishimasu) (03:00):
undefined
Is this spicy?:
これは辛いですか?
(Kore wa karai desu ka?) (03:04):
undefined
Week 3 (03:08):
Handling Emergencies
and Deeper Connections
Help!:
助けて!
(Tasukete!) (03:13):
undefined
I'm lost:
道に迷いました
(Michi ni mayoimashita) (03:15):
undefined
I need a doctor:
医者が必要です
(Isha ga hitsuyou desu) (03:18):
undefined
I don't understand:
わかりません
(Wakarimasen) (03:21):
undefined
Do you speak English? (03:25):
英語を話せますか?
(Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?)
Can you help me?:
手伝っていただけますか?
(Tetsudatte itadakemasu ka?) (03:28):
undefined
Alongside practicingthese phrases,
I highly recommend listening to Japanese conversations
through apps or online platforms.
As getting used to the rhythm and sound of the language
can be very helpful.
Also, consider learninghow to read basic
hiragana and katakana,
(03:49):
which are the Japanese syllabary,
as this can significantly enhanceyour understanding and
navigation during your trip.
How does thisplan sound to you?
Would you like more detailed information on
any of these points?
There are several highly regarded language
learning apps
that can help you pick upJapanese efficiently.
Here are a few of the top ones.
(04:09):
1. Duolingo
This app uses a gamified learning system to teach
vocabulary and grammarin bite sized lessons.
It's great for beginners
and offers practice in reading,writing, listening, and speaking.
2. Rosetta Stone
Known for its immersive method,
Rosetta Stone teaches Japanese
through full immersion using images, phrases, and
interactive activities.
(04:34):
It emphasizes pronunciation with its true accent,
speech recognition technology.
3. Babbel
Babbel focuses on conversational learning
teaching phrases and sentencesyou can use in real life situations.
It also offersgrammar tips
and cultural notes to deepen your understanding
of the language.
4. Memrise
(04:54):
Memrise uses spaced repetition
and mnemonic techniques to help learners expand
their vocabulary effectively.
It also incorporatesvideos of native speakers
providing context to how words and phrases
are used naturally.
5. Pimsleur
Pimsleur’s audiofocused method promotes
oral language skills through listening and
speaking practice.
(05:15):
It's particularly good for learning
pronunciation and understanding spoken Japanese.
6. HelloTalk
This app connects youwith native speakers
around the world,
allowing you to practiceJapanese through text,
voice messages, and calls.
It's a great way to applywhat you've learned in real conversations.
Each app has its unique strengths,so the best choice
(05:37):
depends on your learningstyle and specific needs.
Google translate can be an invaluable tool during
your trip to Japan,
especially when navigatinglanguage barriers.
Here are some effective waysto use Google Translate.
1. Text Translation:
You can type or copy text into the app to translate it
from one language to another.
This is useful for quick translations of words or
phrases you encounter,
(06:00):
like on menus, signs,or instructions.
2. Speech Translation:
Google translate can translatespoken language in real time.
You can speak into your device in English,
and the app will provide
a spoken translationin Japanese or vice versa.
This is particularly handyfor conversational purposes,
with locals.
(06:21):
3. Camera Translation:
Using your phone'scamera, you can translate text
on signs, menus, and other printed material instantly.
Just point your camera at the text
and the translated text will overlay on your screen.
This feature is great for navigatingpublic transportation, restaurants,
and tourist sites
4. Offline Translation:
(06:42):
Before you travel, downloadthe Japanese language pack
in the Google Translate app.
This allows you to use the appwithout an internet connection,
which is perfect when you're in areas with poor or
no internet service.
5. Handwriting Translation:
If you need to translate written Japanese (like a handwritten note or a sign),
you can use the handwriting toolto draw characters on your screen
with your finger.
(07:06):
Google translate will recognizethe characters and provide a translation.
6. Phrasebook:
You can save commonly usedphrases in the Google Translate
app for quick access.
This is helpful for frequently needed expressions
and questions you might use multiple timesthroughout your trip.
7. Conversation Mode:
(07:27):
This mode allows two wayinstant spoken translation,
which is quite beneficialduring interactive conversations.
It automatically recognizes
which of the two languages is being spoken and
translates accordingly.
8. Transcribe Feature:
For longer spoken content like a speech or a presentation,
you can use the transcribe featureto get a real time transcription
(07:50):
in the language of your of your choice.
Using Google Translate can greatly enhance
your travel experience
by making it easier to communicate
understand directions,and immerse yourself
in the local culture.
Just remember that while it's a powerful tool
translations might notalways be perfect,
so it's good to use common senseand double check important
translations when possible.
(08:14):
Yes, Apple offers a variety of apps and features
on iOS devices that serve similar purposes to Google Translate.
Here are some of thekey tools available
for language translation.
1. Apple Translate:
Introduced in iOS 14,
Apple's own translate appallows users to translate text
and have real time conversationsacross several languages,
including Japanese.
(08:37):
It supports text and voice translations and can work offline
once you downloadthe necessary language packs
2. Siri Translation:
You can use Siri to perform quick translations.
Simply activate Siri and ask, "How do you say [word or phrase]
in Japanese?"
Siri will provide the translation verbally and
display it on your screen.
(08:57):
3. Camera Translationwith Live Text:
Starting with iOS 15,you can use the live text feature
to translate text directly fromthe camera or from photos
already in your gallery.
This feature recognizestext in images and allows
you to select it
as you would with text on a website, offering instant
translation options
4. Third-Party Apps:
(09:18):
Beyond Apple'snative offerings.
You can also use third party apps available on the
App Store like
Duolingo, Babbel,or Rosetta Stone.
For more structured language learning.
5. Widgets:
Some translation apps offer widgets that you can add to
your home screen or
Today View for quick accessto translation functions,
making it easier to translate on thego without opening the app.
(09:42):
These tools make Apple devicesvery capable travel companions
when it comes to overcoming language barriers.
Whether you're translating a menu,asking for directions,
or having a conversation,
these features can help facilitatecommunication during your travels.
Yes, your mobile phone should automatically connect
to a local network
(10:02):
once you arrive in Japan,
provided you have the right settings and services enabled.
Here's what typically happensand what you need to consider.
1. Roaming:
Make sure that internationalroaming is activated
on your mobile plan.
This allows your phone to access networks outside
your home country.
Roaming can be expensive,so it's a good idea to
check the rates
(10:25):
and conditions with your service provider before traveling.
2. Automatic Network Selection:
Most phones are set by default
to automatically select a networkwhen they detect a new one.
Upon arriving in Japan,your phone will search for
and connect to a local networkpartner of your home carrier.
3. Data and Voice Services:
(10:46):
Depending on your providerand the international plan,
you might have
your data services,(internet, email)
and voice services (calls, SMS) will become active.
If you haven't arrangedfor an international plan,
these services can be costly,so it might be wise
to use them sparingly
or seek alternatives like local SIM cards or Wi-Fi
(11:06):
4. Local SIM Cards:
If you prefer not to useinternational roaming
due to high costs,
purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival can be
a cost effective option.
This gives you a local phone number and data plan
at much lower rates.
Make sure your phone is unlocked to use a
non-home carrier SIM card.
5. Wi-Fi Connectivity:
(11:28):
Japan offers extensiveWi-Fi connectivity,
especially in urban areasand at tourist spots.
Many places like airports,cafes, and hotels provide free Wi-Fi,
which can help you stay connectedwithout using your mobile data.
6. Time and Date Update:
Your phone shouldautomatically update
the time and dateaccording to the local
time zone in Japan.
Once it connectsto the local network.
(11:51):
7. Emergency Alerts:
Japan has a sophisticated systemfor sending out emergency alerts,
like for earthquakes or tsunamisthrough mobile networks.
Your phonemight automatically
be set to receive these alertseven if you are using
a foreign SIM card.
By ensuring that these aspectsare taken care of before you travel,
(12:11):
you can enjoy a seamless transitionupon your arrival in Japan.
It's also a good idea todownload essential apps like
Google Maps, translation apps, and travel guides before you leave,
especially if you plan on switching to a local SIM card
with limited data.
Thank you for that recommendation list.
I think we will call it there, and I'msure I'll have more questions later.
(12:31):
I think we will call it there, and I'msure I'll have more questions later.
So thanks for checking in.
You're welcome.
It was great helping
you out, and I'm herewhenever you have more questions
or need further assistance,enjoy planning your trip
and take care.
(12:54):
So it's a tool?
it's another tool.
I do think the voice interactionwith a supercomputer on
your mobile phone is the least talked about aspect
of this whole thing,which is pretty amazing.
I hope there were no hallucinationsin that last answer
that I don't go downthe wrong street.
But, again, I think the best way to approach
(13:15):
this thing is just to get on it and startplaying with it and really get a feel
for what the limitations are,which are pretty significant.
And you know, whereyou can use it as a tool.
And to really get a deeper understandingof what those big issues are,
that are out there.
But in the short term, it's definitelya nice tool to, to get some things done.
Thanks a lot for watchingand thanks for listening on the podcast.
(13:37):
We'll see you next time.Take care.
(18:42):
We'll see you next time.Take care.