Condolences-お悔やみ

先日マイケル・ジャクソンが突然亡くなりました。
８０年代には多くのヒット曲を出し
ダンスやパフォーマンスの才能は素晴らしい
ものでしたね。
Christinaも非常に残念がっていました。
今回は、誰かが亡くなった時のお悔やみの言葉を
紹介致します。

Condolences are phrases and expressions
used to show sympathy when someone has
passed away. Whether the person was a close
relative, friend or even a co-worker, it is
necessary to use such phrases as:
"sorry for your loss",
"my heart goes out to you",
"we will miss (the name of the person who has died)",
"thinking of you during this difficult time."
Even if the person has died a few months ago
and you have just found out the news, you
need to offer your condolences, because people
are extra sensitive after the loss of someone.
Remember, the power of using heartfelt words
is important. People are looking for strength
and comfort. Showing no emotion is bad
during this time or keeping your distance is
wrong too. A hug or a physical gesture of
care is helpful.
Now having said all that, I am very sorry
Michael Jackson has passed away. Most of all,
I feel sorry for him. I just hope that his 1980s
legacy of music and　unique dancing style
live forever!

condolence=お悔やみ、哀悼の言葉
pass away=亡くなる、死去する
relative=親類、親戚
co-worker=同僚
My heart goes out to you
=I am very sorry for you at this time
and I understand your feelings.
heartfelt=（感謝、同情などが）心からの
comfort=癒やし、安らぎ
Physical gesture=身体的なジェスチャー
=a handshake, a pat on the back, a hug,
a touch to show care.
Legacy=遺産
=strong history, usually a person's life
history of what they did.

誰かが亡くなったとき、親族の方には
physical gestureが良いとChristinaが言っていますが
とても外国的なお悔やみの表現だと思います。
日本ではHugやボディタッチは控えめな文化ですので
言葉でのお悔やみが一番ですよね。
でももし、外国人のご友人が誰かを失ってしまったら
Christinaの助言通り、お悔やみの言葉とphysical
gestureを使って下さい。