When you see foreign travelers who looks troubled, do you talk to them without hesitation? How do you start a conversation with them?
On the other hand, are you afraid when you are spoken to by a foreigner?
I have been askign for help abroad but only once I was offereed help without asking.
I must say I was achamed, because I could uderstand nothing:) It was an old lady, a speaker of a language closely related to Russian.
She wanted to help, but the ONLY words I was able to udnerstand were "you don't understand?":)))))
Of course I'd love if such ladies offerend me help more often so I could learn to understand them:) So it was a pleasant experience. But I was ashamed.
Maybe you would feel the same way in a village in Okinava or maybe Kagoshima.
Don't worry! If I were you, I would just walk to them and ask "Do you need any help?" Even if you are not able to provide the help they need or the this is just a misunderstanding, I doubt anyone would consider you as a shady person. On the contrary, I think most people would regard this as a friendly and welcoming gesture.
I used to be but not anymore. In fact, as I am studying abroad now, I am actually the "foreigner". :)
I always try my best to go up to foreigners and help them.
I once saw some Japanese girls lost so I asked them where they wanted to go in Japanese. They were very shocked that I knew a little Japanese and they got their bus on time so they were grateful.
