Students Shine at JKUAT’s Japanese Speech Contest, Promoting Global Cultural Exchange
JKUAT Celebrates Japanese Culture and Language at Inaugural Speech Contest
Nov 14, 2024 |
Even after being a language spoken in a relatively small country in Asia, Japanese is the eighth most used language in the world. Approximately 130 million people speak Japanese globally, with about 125 million residing in Japan. The Japanese are not only known for their advancements in technology but also for their deep commitment to preserving their centuries-old culture and language. For them, language is more than just a means of communication; it is a way to carry the culture and pass values down through generations.
To inculcate traditional values and foster cultural exchange among students, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) recently hosted the Japanese Speech Contest on November 8, 2024, in celebration of Japanese Cultural Day. The event, organized by the Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication, aimed to enhance students’ Japanese language skills while promoting an appreciation for Japanese culture.
Students from various schools showcased their proficiency in Japanese through performances, including skits and songs. These activities allowed participants to demonstrate their language abilities and creativity engagingly and entertainingly. The main highlight of the event was the speech contest, which featured three contestants who demonstrated exceptional resilience and confidence. The participants impressed the audience with their fluency, composure, and articulate responses to questions, showcasing their language skills effectively.
Representatives from the Japan Foundation, Aviva Technologies, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kenya Office were also present. They contributed to the planning and overall success of both the Japanese Speech Contest and the Japanese Cultural Day. The Deputy Dean of Students, Prof. John Githiri, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi underscored the importance of language learning in fostering global connections. They emphasized that language is not just a mode of communication but also a way to understand different perspectives. Language facilitates cultural exchange, which plays a key role in enriching communities and preparing them to thrive in a rapidly globalizing world.
Prof. Maurice Sakwa, the Dean of the School of Communication and Development Studies, remarked that language is the starting point for cultural sharing and stated that learning different languages allows people to better understand one another, bridging cultural gaps. The event highlighted JKUAT's commitment to promoting internationalisation through language learning and cultural exchange, helping students develop the skills necessary to navigate an interconnected global community.
Allan Kimani, a JKUAT student who has been learning Japanese for the past four years and previously won the speech contest, chose to participate in this edition by presenting a model speech instead of competing, as his proficiency level was higher. He explained that learning Japanese had been challenging, particularly because it felt like learning three languages due to the different characters. He stressed that resilience and perseverance are essential for mastering the language and encouraged others to keep pushing forward despite the difficulties.
Mr. Hiroyuki Futaki, a representative from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, praised the university for promoting the Japanese language and culture. He also thanked Madam Joan Kittot for her efforts in organizing the event and expressed hope that the contest would be held again in the future. The Japanese Speech Contest at JKUAT was an important event that helped students learn about the Japanese language and culture. It provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing students to appreciate different traditions and perspectives.
Editor's Note:
The Japanese Speech Contest at JKUAT was a fantastic celebration of language and culture, highlighting the importance of learning new languages and appreciating diverse traditions. The event allowed students to not only explore the core values of Japanese culture but also understand that mastering any language requires resilience and perseverance. This initiative was a significant step in promoting Japanese culture and language on a global platform.
Skoobuzz commends JKUAT for its efforts in preserving and passing on the rich heritage of the 8th-century-old Japanese language and culture to future generations.
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