Embassy of Japan in Jordan (11th Speech Contest)

Press release on 1 March 2008

The Eleventh Japanese Speech Contest

Ambassador's remarks

Speech by the Grand winner

The Embassy of Japan in Jordan and the Faculty of Arts of the University of Jordan jointly organized the Eleventh Japanese Speech Contest under the patronage of H.E. Professor Khalid Al Karaki, President of the University at its Language Center on 1 March 2008. The contest has been organized annually since 1997. Over 200 guests were present at the contest this year.

22 participants in total joined the event which consisted of two divisions, namely conventional speech and presentation, in which the contestants will make a presentation under the theme of "The Japan that I want to introduce to Jordanians". 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. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan to Jordan, hailed the presentations that the contestants released, saying: “Presentation about Japan from viewpoints of Jordanians definitely provided the Japanese Embassy with a new direction, and would empower its activity of bridging the distance between Japan and Jordan.”

As for the speech session, the contestants were given a chance to choose one of four themes, namely “Sorry / Thank you”, Incident that changed my life”, “In Japanese proverbs we say”, and “Why?” Various topics were therefore selected ranging from animation to philosophy. They excelled in presenting their speeches as many talked in native-like Japanese pronunciation that Japanese judges expressed their admiration for the students’ talent.

After an incredibly close contest, Ms. Hasna Awwad won the Speech session and Ms. Leena Barhoush got first place in the Presentation session. The first through third place winners from each division were given certificates and awards. Two most outstanding contestants will be members of the Jordanian delegation to visit Japan this summer under the Youth Exchange Program arranged by the Embassy of Japan and the Higher Council for Youth of Jordan. H.E. Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan and head of the jury for the contest, praised all the contestants for their hard work at the end of the event.

The Japanese language education in Jordan started at the University of Jordan in 1993. The number of the students has steadily grown in institutions and the language skill of the students has also improved.

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Prizes	The winner last year acted as MC of the contest

At the presentation session	At the speech session

Skit performed by UJ students	Skit performed by JUST students