Speaking workshop with a native Japanese speaker

9.1.2024

Speaking workshop with a native Japanese speaker was held for students of the “Language and Literature (Japanese, English)” educational program.

At the end of December 2023, a conversation workshop, conducted by Takashi Itozawa, a Japanese citizen, the first Japanese language teacher at our university, was held for students of the “Language and Literature (Japanese, English)” educational program. Thanks to Mr. Takashi, back in 2000, our institution was able to start teaching Japanese at the Luhansk State Pedagogical University. Takashi Itozawa taught the language for several years and made many efforts to invite highly qualified teachers from Japan.

As part of the speaking workshop, the students had the opportunity to practice oral communication and improve their listening skills. The workshop was organized in the format of a group class and consisted of various aspects that contribute to the improvement of the Japanese language and conversational practice skills.

Takashi Itozawa spoke with each participant of the meeting. All the students spoke about themselves in Japanese and willingly answered Takashi’s questions. Next, Takashi talked about the peculiarities of the Japanese holiday Shiti-go-san (七五三).This holiday is completely dedicated to children; its name can be literally translated as “seven-five-three”, children of these ages, wearing kimonos specially made for this holiday (haori and hakama), and visit temples with their parents. Historically, it is believed that after the age of three, a baby becomes a child and is allowed to grow hair. The next milestone is five years for boys, when they can appear in public places in haori, and seven years for girls, which is marked by the fact that for the first time their kimono is tied with a special belt called an obi.

The traditions of celebrating the New Year and Christmas in Japan were not overlooked, and Mr. Takashi gladly answered the students’ questions. The workshop took place in a positive atmosphere. Smiles, humor and lively discussions prevailed during the workshop.

Students and all teachers of the Faculty of Foreign Languages are grateful to Mr. Takashi for the wonderful and interesting communication and tell him: “Thank you so much for your time and attention to our University”.

Information Center of
Educational and Research
Institute of Philology & Journalism