Though Japanese people may want to get to know Americans, they often feel awkward talking to them. The language barrier is an obvious problem. However, there are other problems. Many Japanese are hesitant to speak with people that they do not know well or types of people who are outside their previous experiences. In addition, Japanese people often do not know what to talk to Americans about or how to keep the conversation moving. If you want to get to know Americans, one important piece of advice is this: make the first move yourself. In the United States, it is common and acceptable to start conversations, even with strangers or casual acquaintances. Don't wait around for an American to talk to you. Start a conversation yourself. Ask questions. Show that you are interested in getting to know them. Of course, not every conversation will result in a friendship, but if you don't start conversations, you will have much less chance of making friends. If someone seems friendly but you have only exchanged greetings, try starting a conversation. There are a number of possible subjects for casual conversations. Americans talk about their work if they are employed, their classes and majors if they are students, their families, their hobbies and leisure time activities, sports, current events, and the weather, among other topics. If you are talking to a stranger, you can ask, "What kind of work do you do?" or "Where do you work?" If you know that the other person is a student, you can ask, "What classes are you taking?" and "What is your major?" You can ask whether the other person is married, whether they have children, and what their plans are for the weekend or an upcoming holiday, or what they did on a previous weekend or holiday.