（続）今日はスーパーボール

英語はロジックだ、英語はディベートだと主張するのは英語学習の一方法としては理解しますが、それが「はっきりモノを言うことが英語では当然だ」のような方向になってしまうと問題のように思います。仲間内での英語ならともかく、別の相手とのやり取りは相手の立場も考えて発言することは日本も外国でも変わらない大切なことでしょう。英語学習者の中には頑張っている俺すごいだろ、俺、俺、俺って最高！といった、相手を思いやれない人がいるのが気になります。。。

さきほどのヨハンソンのCMの件ですが、Oxfamとヨハンソンの双方から声明が出ています。

Oxfam accepts resignation of Scarlett Johansson
Published: 30 January 2014
Oxfam has accepted Scarlett Johansson’s decision to step down after eight years as a Global Ambassador and we are grateful for her many contributions.

While Oxfam respects the independence of our ambassadors, Ms. Johansson’s role promoting the company SodaStream is incompatible with her role as an Oxfam Global Ambassador.

Oxfam believes that businesses, such as SodaStream, that operate in settlements further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support.

Oxfam is opposed to all trade from Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law. Ms. Johansson has worked with Oxfam since 2005 and in 2007 became a Global Ambassador, helping to highlight the impact of natural disasters and raise funds to save lives and fight poverty.

we are grateful for her many contributionsやWhile Oxfam respects the independence of our ambassadorsなど、相手に感謝すべきところは感謝し、相手を尊重するところは尊重する、そのような手続きを踏んでから以下のようにOxfamの考えをOxfam believes thatというかたちで述べています。

Oxfam believes that businesses, such as SodaStream, that operate in settlements further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support.

TOEIC的にはbusinesses, such as SodaStreamとbusinessが会社という意味で使われていること、furtherがここでは「…を助長する」という意味の動詞で使われていることに注目したいですね。

ヨハンソン側の反応として、代理人の声明と彼女のブログ記事の2つから確認します。まずは代理人の声明です。

"Scarlett Johansson has respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years," the statement said. "She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam."

have a fundamental difference of opinionと強い調子で意見の相違があることを示しているものの、Scarlett Johansson has respectfully decided to やShe is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfamなどと語ることで少しでも調子を和らげようとしていることが伺えます。

ヨハンソンのブログ記事はどちらかというと釈明的な調子でしょうか。given the amount of noise surrounding that decision, I'd like to clear the airと語り始めていますが、日本語でよくみかける「お騒がせしております」的な表現は英語にもあるんですね。

Clearing the Air
Posted: 01/24/2014 5:18 pm

While I never intended on being the face of any social or political movement, distinction, separation or stance as part of my affiliation with SodaStream, given the amount of noise surrounding that decision, I'd like to clear the air.

I remain a supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine. SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting neighbors working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights.

That is what is happening in their Ma'ale Adumim factory every working day. As part of my efforts as an Ambassador for Oxfam, I have witnessed first-hand that progress is made when communities join together and work alongside one another and feel proud of the outcome of that work in the quality of their product and work environment, in the pay they bring home to their families and in the benefits they equally receive.

I believe in conscious consumerism and transparency and I trust that the consumer will make their own educated choice that is right for them. I stand behind the SodaStream product and am proud of the work that I have accomplished at Oxfam as an Ambassador for over 8 years. Even though it is a side effect of representing SodaStream, I am happy that light is being shed on this issue in hopes that a greater number of voices will contribute to the conversation of a peaceful two state solution in the near future.

意見の相違があるようなトピックで自分の主義や意見を述べる場合には動詞believeを使うとよい感じです。OxfamだけでなくヨハンソンもI believe in conscious consumerism and transparencyのように使っています。

問題が起きたとしても相手を批判するのではなく、Even though it is a side effect of representing SodaStream, I am happy that light is being shed on this issueのようにできる限り前向きに捉えるようとする表現をできるようになっておきたいですね。特にビジネスで英語を使う場合にはこのような相手に配慮した表現は必須でしょうから。