Just watched Tokido's interview on the Capcom Fighters channel. I really don't mean any offense to Tokido when I say this, but I wish he would have had a translator to help him with some or even most of the interview. His English is good, but not quite at a level where he can fully express and explain himself as best as possible. Maybe it was his decision to do the interview in English without any assistance. If that's the case than big props to Tokido and I'd totally respect that. It's just that after such a huge accomplishment I really wanted to hear his thoughts without any barriers and I don't feel that was the case.
And I say this as someone who has a lot of trouble speaking my own native tongue. My parents immigrated to this country and only speak their language. Their command of English is extremely limited. Since I'm terrible at my language, my conversations with my parents is very basic and simple. I can never fully express my feelings or thoughts to my parents unless the words are fed to me as I say them. My wife on the other hand speaks our language fluently and actually has great conversations with my parents. My mom may love me more, but I'm sure she likes my wife more if you get what I mean.
Anyways I remember Infiltration switching to Korean when he won EVO last year and people were questioning why when his English is so good. His English is good, just not at a level where he can fully express himself and I love that he wanted to do that. I hope to still see that from Tokido where he can fully express himself to the best of his ability. But I know if he had a translator we may not have gotten the "fighting games are great" moment from his own mouth
Agreed completely.
The best example i can think of, of someone who is being interviewed, being aware of this, was when Itabashi Zangief was interviewed by Yahoo Espoorts like a month ago.
It seems appropiate to post that interview, as people may be interested in waching it considering Itabashi's performace at EVO.
Turns out, Itabashi's knows english (you're in for a surprise), yet, if he does not fully understand a question, he will ask the traslator, if he's having too much trouble finding a way to say what he actually wants to say, he will change to japanese.
Even better, the translator, is the best tanslator you've ever seen.
Be aware, if you click, you'll have to watch it:
(it's 47 minutes long)
"Conversations and Fireball - So why are you called Itabashi Zangief?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRs_T8yL7tg