Helpful support for learning Japanese
Janita
Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies
I am originally from Indonesia, and currently, I am learning Japanese (at a beginner level though!). I first started my Japanese lessons online from Indonesia, when I was accepted as a research student at Waseda University with the MEXT scholarship programme. Apart from self-study with books, we also join classes at the Waseda University Center for Japanese Language (CJL). It is really fun and exciting to learn a new language and I really enjoy learning Japanese. Unfortunately, for the last two years, due to the pandemic, we could only do online classes and never really meet each other to have a conversation in person.
When the ICC re-opened the Japanese Chat Club in person this semester, I was really excited! I joined the ICC Japanese Chat Club in October 2022 and we had four sessions, once a week, at the ICC Lounge. In the sessions, we meet up with other Japanese learners at Waseda University, and with the help of Japanese students who are volunteers for the chat club, we had wonderful sessions of word games and exciting discussions!
Playing ICC Monopoly (photo by author)
One of my favourite moments was when we played Waseda-themed Monopoly in Japanese. It was so fun and challenging, as we tried do the challenges written on the cards and win the game. In the Japanese chat club, we were able to discuss our cultural backgrounds, hobbies and interests, as well as past study or working experiences with our fellow friends there, so it is also helpful to build up a network of friends among Waseda University students across schools and faculties.
I believe that this club is very helpful for me and other students who are studying Japanese, in building up the confidence to have a conversation in Japanese. Our colleagues who are native speakers are very caring and supportive to help us speak Japanese and carry on a natural conversation. I would encourage others who are studying Japanese to also join the club if you have time, and let’s practice together!
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How the ICC Japanese Chat Club Helped Me
Sabrina Yunus
Waseda Business School
I came to Japan with very little knowledge of the language, particularly the ability to speak it. Thus, I was thrilled to see that Waseda had the ICC, or Intercultural Communication Center, which included events to help with Japanese language learning.
photo by author
I was excited to be accepted to join the ICC Japanese October Chat Club! It was a wonderful way to begin practicing speaking the language. At first I was a bit shy trying to speak, as I had little experience in actual Japanese conversations other than minimal interactions with restaurant staff or service workers. Yet, I was welcomed by the volunteer Japanese language supporters and fellow learners, who were encouraging when I struggled or made mistakes.
Each chat club meeting included fun activities to speak Japanese and get to know each other. The activities were often incredibly fun ways to not only have fun while learning Japanese, but also learn about Japanese culture and our surroundings. For example, one was just trivia about Waseda University. As a new student, it was a fun way to learn about my new school while also learning Japanese!
I have a long way to go in my learning of the language, but the ICC’s Japanese chat clubs really helped me begin to get comfortable speaking it! They truly created a fun and welcoming space to meet others and learn about different cultures too. I will be a frequent supporter and participant in as many future events as I can attend during my time at Waseda!
