Japan Society: Language Officer (Beginner Levels)

Hi, I’m Hana and I’m running for Language Officer (Beginner Levels). 

I am half Japanese and studying medicine, and this year I’ve really enjoyed being a teacher for level 3 Japanese lessons. 

Language lessons in Japan Society not only provide opportunities to learn Japanese, but allow you to meet like-minded people with an interest in Japanese culture. Teaching Japanese and watching students improve soon became one of the highlights of my week throughout first year, and I want to make language lessons even more enjoyable, accessible and effective this coming year. 

My aims are to: 

• Strengthen student-teacher friendships: increase interaction between students and teachers during lessons - for example through mini games - as well as after lessons (e.g. casual dinners). 

• Form and manage group chats for classes: notify students about any schedule changes, as well as what will be covered in lessons.

• Make more slides for particularly short lessons, including cultural knowledge, revision of previous lessons, and useful phrases.

•  Listen to requests from students after each lesson to adapt lessons accordingly.

• Ensure the smooth running of Nihongo night.

With these goals in mind I hope to contribute to Japan Society and improve language lessons for both students and teachers. 

Thank you and best of luck on your language learning journey!

頑張れ！

こんにちはみんなさん！I’m Keith – Ph.D. student in chemistry who has been enthusiastic about Japan since I could remember. The unrivalled potency of Japan back in the vibrant yet bucolic homeland has exposed me to myriad of ethos of Japanese delicacies, cultures, believes etc. As omnipresent as it may be, not until a few years ago back in my undergraduate when I picked Japanese as my 4th language has my predilection for Japan reached all-time high. Having dined and faffed around with the language for almost 4 years, I have tried out numerous approaches from classrooms to alternatives such as self-studies

Toppled with my participation on the 2nd and 3rd level class, I am certain I have a good grasp on each method’s pros and cons along with general vibes. By applying bits n’ bobs from allegories to finesses I picked along the way, I wish to bring forth the immersive and interactive yet intensive Japanese classes for all beginners. It is also my intention to push for the more tightly-knitted plutonic-type relationship between students and instructors so they could actually make themselves heard with little hierarchical, cultural, and ideological barriers. Phasing out taciturnity and social echelons I believe is one of the first steps students must make to give themselves free reigns of what they need to reach whatever the goals aspired. And I believe the not easily appeaseable nature of mine with a pinch of serendipities would help stir the change.

Hi, I’m Shisei/Ziqing, a 2nd year studying biomedical engineering. You might recognize me as one of the teachers for the Level 3 lessons.

I’m running for beginner level language coordinator because I enjoyed being a teacher and want to improve the teaching so students can have a better learning experience. I wish to create chances for people to make friends, like how the current committee connected me and my friends.

I plan to:

• Make a homepage which will:
  • Make lesson material easily accessible
  • Notify lesson dates and locations
  • Enable instant feedback through google forms
  • Allow people to ask questions anonymously and casually
• Include one-to-one question times
• Include more interactive exercises & written practices
• Spice-up the free lessons and language events, e.g.
  • Create and perform Japanese skits
  • Learn about Japan and create your very own Japan booklet

Why me?

I have first hand experience with language lessons, and know the pros and cons of the current lessons. Being Chinese, I understand how annoying learning Japanese can be.

However, thanks to my 10 years of living in Japan and some really good lessons in the past, my Japanese is at a native level. Therefore I know what learning Japanese is like for all 5 levels! I’m also an anime fan and a pun-lover, so my lessons are gonna be fun!

I have a clear vision for the language lessons within the society.

Thanks for reading and reach out @shisei12 for any questions!!

Hi, I am Natsumi! I grew up in Japan then moved to the UK when I was 15. I am running for Language Officer (Beginner Levels) because my experience of living abroad taught me the benefits of learning a new language. I could not speak English fluently when I moved to the UK and had a tough time adjusting to the new environment where I couldn’t communicate well with the people. Learning a new language came with a lot of challenges but I deeply understood how this can open doors to new opportunities. It facilitated communication and allowed me to foster deeper relationships with people from different backgrounds. 

My plans: 

• Incorporate more activities and games in the curriculum 
• Collaborate with other language societies to facilitate cross-cultural environments where students can teach Japanese to people from other societies 
• Actively seek out teachers throughout the year and allow them to only teach for a term (they can sign up for the next term if they’d like) to minimise their workload and stress 

I have experience in tutoring English to Japanese students. I love teaching language because it is rewarding to see students make progress and achieve their language and learning goals. I believe my skills, knowledge, and experiences are a perfect fit for this position, and I will make a positive impact on society if you vote for me :)