R vs. L

Remember awhile back when I wrote that Japanese people have a hard time distinguishing between "R" and "L"?!  (Click here to see the November blog.)  In fact, the Japanese alphabet actually shares the same character for all R & L sounds. 

I discovered it when I kept getting mail addressed to "Kelly Green".  Just this week, I received an email from a colleague that said "Hi Kelly", and text from one of my friends that said "Kelly, let's go out this week". 

I no longer find it funny when I get safety updates at work about a "folkrift" accident, just annoying.

Here's a few more examples of "R" vs "L" confusion I've seen around the city... 

Yes, I would love a pamphlet in "Engrish"!

"Margalita" and "Sangulia" sounds yummy to me!!

Sweet!  This hotel even comes with "srippers" I can wear around the room.

This shaved ice looks good, but which flavor should I get... "Remon" or "Meron"?!

I love a good "fly" to go with my burger.

Oh, the poor child who has to wear this shirt! 

He is going to forever think that a "flog" goes libbit, libbit!

The menu is painted on the wall this time... let's get some of those chips and "sarsa".

They have some weird drinks in Japan, but I assure you "Grass Wine" doesn't actually have any blades of grass in it!!

Finally, my favorite...  this business name is posted in giant neon on a building for all to see. 

Let's go to the internet cafe called "Rounge".

After seeing some of these examples, I've decided that if Japanese people can't truly hear the difference between R and L, then I'm not going to worry about some of their words that I can't pronounce correctly either. 

Ret's call it even!