Does the sempai-kohai relationship impede conversational interaction in an ESL setting?

The sempai-kohai relationship, the relationship unique to Japan between upperclassmen/seniors and underclassmen/juniors has been examined from many angles. I was recently asked, "Does the sempai-kohai relationship impede conversational interaction in an ESL setting?"

In my experiences, I found the basic conversations a bit drab and decided to push the envelope by leading the conversation into debatable territory. The results were mixed as advanced level ESL speakers spoke but were hesitant since voicing their opinion was uncommon. One older ESL speaker asked that I not encourage them to discuss matters such as, "Should the American military be based in Japan?" etc. This was not because of the sempai-kohai relationship but the Japanese tendency to not make waves. This is one example of conversational interaction in an ESL setting that was hindered.

On the other hand, I believe that ESL conversations are not impeded since it is likely that one of the members, the lead member, is not Japanese. In order for the sempai-kohai relationship to be carried out, all must be Japanese. The Japanese do not expect non-Japanese to follow the rules of the sempai-kohai relationship.

Furthermore, as a ESL teacher and one of your students is older, they sempai-kohai relationship doesn't apply since you are being utilized for your expertise. Having a younger expert correct an older student is fine since the teacher is likely to be a foreigner.

I once experienced a Japanese girl of elementary age who was called on to assist in communicating when a group of us ESL teachers visited her school. She lived most of her young life in the U.S. before returning to Japan. Once the translation chore was out of the way, the girl stayed with us and ate the snacks that were provided to us. The principal of the school scolded the girl for doing this but lightened up since she was sitting with us ESL teachers. My thinking was, "The girl should be rewarded for covering your sorry butt and its six years of compulsory English which can not be demonstrated." One can only imagine how the girl was disciplined once we all left.

Lastly, if there is any student, regardless of age who has any ability to speak English will be hesitant to do so for the fear of standing out among their peers. I've often wondered what the Japanese educational system does with the gifted Japanese students since they can not be advanced above their school year since they will then at the level of their sempai.

I guess you could say that a kohai who can speak better English than their sempai in a business setting could be awkward since the role of the sempai is to take the lead when carrying out English duties when the truth is, the kohai can do it more effortlessly. This was the situation with my wife for the three years that we were in Japan.

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