Language Education Section
Setsubun at OIST
On February 2nd, approximately 50 students joined us for a lively celebration of the Japanese festival of Setsubun! Following the vibrant traditions, we gathered to ward off bad luck and welcome spring with open arms.
The festivities kicked off with the iconic bean-throwing ceremony. Armed with roasted soybeans, students chanted "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out! Luck in!") as they tossed the beans, symbolically driving away misfortune and inviting good fortune. Laughter and energy filled the air as everyone participated with enthusiasm.
Following the bean-throwing ritual, we embraced another beloved Setsubun custom: enjoying special sushi rolls called Ehomaki. In keeping with tradition, students silently devoured these auspicious rolls while facing the lucky direction for the year – northeast in 2024. It was a moment of quiet unity and shared cultural experience.
We were thrilled with the turnout and the positive energy brought by our student community. Seeing so many embrace this cultural celebration with such gusto reinforces our commitment to hosting diverse and engaging events throughout the year.
Stay tuned for more exciting cultural events in the future! We can't wait to explore new traditions and share them with you.
Secret Santa 2023
The "Secret Santa Language Exchange" event held on December 22nd was a resounding success, bringing together 32 participants in a festive and culturally enriching celebration. The event aimed to foster the spirit of giving during the Christmas season while simultaneously providing a unique platform for individuals to engage in language exchange conversations.
The event took place in the langauge classrooms in Lab2. Participants were greeted with warm smiles and a sense of excitement as they prepared to embark on a journey of cultural exchange and goodwill.
The 32 participants, each representing diverse backgrounds and proficiency levels of English and Japanese, were assigned secret benefactors who carefully selected and wrapped thoughtful gifts. The anonymity of the gift-giving process added an element of surprise and anticipation, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the event.
The core component of the event was the language exchange sessions. Participants were encouraged to engage in conversations, providing an opportunity to practice the language they were learning. The event facilitated connections between individuals who may not have otherwise interacted, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the gift exchange. Participants exchanged carefully chosen presents that reflected thoughtfulness and consideration. The surprise on recipients' faces as they unwrapped their gifts and discovered the care put into selection added an extra layer of joy to the occasion.
The Secret Santa Language Exchange proved to be a successful and heartwarming event, achieving its goals of spreading the culture of giving during the Christmas season and providing a platform for language learners to connect. The event not only strengthened the sense of community among participants but also contributed to the promotion of cultural diversity and understanding. The positive feedback received ensures that this event will be eagerly anticipated in the coming years, becoming a cherished tradition within our community.
Registration update
The registration policy from the previous semester will still be in effect. When you register for Japanese courses, you will be asked whether you are a continuing student from the previous semester, new to the language program or a student who dropped out previous previously and is now rejoining.
In order to offer everyone a fair chance to learn Japanese, we will give enrollment priority to students who completed the course previous semester and are taking a class for the first time. If you previously dropped out of a class or are a research intern/visiting researcher in residence for less than 6 months, your ability to join that class will depend on their being seats available after new and continuing students have been enrolled.
Please remember that registering for a class in the system is not the final step of enrollment. You are officially enrolled in the class once you receive a confirmation email from your teacher after the end of the registration period.
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English
English Language Instructor Bios
OIST provides a wide variety of English Language courses to meet the needs of OIST’s diverse international student body, researchers, administrative staff, and family members. All courses include reading, writing, speaking, and listening components, and are designed to encourage teamwork and active participation. Authentic materials are included, such as videos, audio recordings, and newspaper articles, to provide students with real-world examples relevant to their roles at OIST.
Contact:
Justin Foster-Sutherland justin.foster@oist.jp 098-966-1638
Japanese
Japanese Language Instructor Bios
The Japanese Language staff are conducting Japanese language courses for all OIST members - students, researchers, faculty, administrative staff, and family members. The courses range from basic to intermediate, focusing on fundamental communication skills. All courses include instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Extra-curricular activities are also held to help participants adjust to the customs and culture of their new surroundings.