Press Release on March 7, 2009
The 12th Japanese speech contest at the University of Jordan
The Embassy
of Japan in Jordan and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of
Jordan jointly organized, on Saturday 7 March, the Twelfth Japanese Speech
Contest.
Twenty two contestants took part in the event which consisted of two sections,
namely Haiku and Speech. Each participant was given the choice of either
choosing one Haiku - a very short lyric poem - reading it in Japanese and later
explaining it in Arabic and in English, or making a short presentation on one of
the four themes entitled “The thing I treasure the most”, “The happiest/saddest
day of my life”, “In Jordan/ Jordan … is very cool” or a topic of their choice.
The contest aims at providing students learning Japanese with an opportunity to
contemplate, examine their speaking proficiency, and find pleasure in speaking
Japanese and speaking about Japan.
H.E. Mr. Tetsuo Shioguchi, Ambassador of Japan to Jordan, hailed the presentations that the contestants gave, saying “I am encouraged that so many people are trying to master the Japanese language and thereby hoping to better understand Japan and Japanese culture”.
Participants excelled in presenting their speeches as many talked in native-like Japanese pronunciation that Japanese judges expressed their admiration of the students’ talents.
After an incredibly very competitive contest, Rawand Samara won first place in the Haiku session with Fouz Habjouqa and Sandra Dajani coming in second and third respectively. As for the speech section, Rua Samara came first, Yasmeen Hijjawi second while Monia Hweidi won third place. Moreover and since contestants gave outstanding presentations, special prizes were given to Razan Hiasat, Amer Mango and Hamdi Hirzalla.
Earlier last week, Japanese Ambassador held discussions with the University’s President, H.E. Professor Khalid Al Karaki, concerning the possibility of establishing a Japanese Language and Literature course at the university.
The Japanese language education in Jordan started at the University of Jordan in 1993 and the first Japanese Speech Contest took place 1997.
