JKUAT Hosts Japanese Speech Contest to Enhance Language Proficiency.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) recently hosted the Japanese Speech Contest as part of the Japanese Cultural Day celebrations.
The event, organized by the Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication, aimed to enhance students’ Japanese language skills while fostering an appreciation for Japanese culture.
The event also marked a milestone as a JKUAT student received a certificate from Reina Ide, a representative from the Japan Foundation, recognizing his dedication to learning the Japanese language.
The Japanese Cultural Day included a range of engaging activities designed to both entertain and immerse attendees in Japanese traditions.
Students from multiple disciplines took part, presenting skits and songs that highlighted both their proficiency in Japanese and their ability to showcase Japanese cultural expressions through performance.
The Importance of Language and Cultural Exchange
Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi underscored the significance of language learning in internationalizing educational programs, with a speech read on her behalf by Prof. John Githiri, the Deputy Dean of Students.
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She remarked that language serves as a bridge to understanding diverse perspectives and promotes global connections. Cultural exchange, she noted, enriches communities and equips students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Prof. Maurice Sakwa, Dean of the School of Communication and Development Studies, who represented the Principal of the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), highlighted that language is foundational to cultural sharing, pointing out how learning new languages fosters deeper mutual understanding.
“Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a gateway to understanding different perspectives and fostering global connections. Cultural exchange enriches our communities and prepares us to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world that is rapidly becoming a global village,” stated the VC.
Japanese Speech Contest: A Test of Resilience and Skill
The main feature of the event was the Japanese speech contest, which saw three students participate, each demonstrating impressive fluency and confidence. These contestants responded articulately to questions, showcasing resilience and a strong grasp of the language.
One notable participant, Allan Kimani, a JKUAT student who has studied Japanese for four years, shared his journey in learning the language. As the winner of the previous contest, Kimani was invited to deliver a model speech rather than compete this time due to his advanced proficiency level.
He shared that learning Japanese was challenging, likening it to learning three languages given the distinct characters, and emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance.
The event also received praise from Hiroyuki Futaki of the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, Japan Information and Culture Center, who expressed his excitement that the contest was being hosted at JKUAT for the first time.
JKUAT Hosts Japanese Speech Contest to Enhance Language Proficiency.
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