Student Quotes

Having also taken the beginning Japanese intensive last summer, I can say that the guest speakers and language partners added a lot to my language learning experience this summer. The language partners allowed us to regularly practice our speaking skills, and challenged us to think beyond classroom exercises. The guest speakers challenged our listening skills while at the same time introducing us to various aspects of Japanese culture. --Rosemary Candelario

Aside from learning a lot about the language itself inside the classroom, we also we able to taste bits and piece of the culture. We were interviewed by a Japanese businessman, saw a taiko performance, and had many lunch discussions with native Japanese speakers. The experience that I found the most rewarding was when we watched the movie, Okuribito, in class. It was a fun realization to say "Hey, I can understand what they're saying!--Natalie Kipper

Before entering into the Japanese 10 course, I had heard a lot of horror stories about how "intensive" a course like this would be --- constant studying would be required and full-on immersion into the syntax and grammar of a language that, linguistically, is considered opposite to a native English speaker. But what I didn't expect was the cultural anecdotes and demonstrations from Japan that were introduced throughout the course. I truly appreciate how it was not just the language I was learning, but also the rich culture of Japan and its people. --LiAnn Ishizuka

I felt that the guest speakers and cultural demonstrations truly brought my Japanese 10 learning experiences to life. Not only was it very interesting and fun, it was extremely helpful in grasping and understanding the Japanese culture because we had the opportunity to interact with the culture itself beyond any textbooks would allow us.--Lee Jonh Saengsavang

Having all these guest speakers come to our class and talk to us about their job and their experiences coming to America from Japan was truly cultural enrichment.  I remember the first guest speaker who allowed us to feel what it's like to be interviewed by a Japanese business man.  Our second guest speaker was Mr. Nimura, a Japanese translator for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The third was a group of Taiko drums which allowed many of us to fall more in love with Japanese culture and for me to want to learn how to play the Taiko drums.  The fourth was a representative from TOTO USA and the fifth was a representative from JNTO, which stands for Japan National Tourist Organization... Just to let you know I was so amazed by what the program had to offer to us.  --Asako Hayashi

I feel that taking Japanese 10 was a very worthwhile experience. It was a very fast-paced class and, as the description provides, very intense. Right from the get-go the class starts moving as you learn new vocabulary, grammar, and kanji practically everyday. --Jon Derderian

It was a difficult course, but the cultural competency I gained from guest speakers and class discussions is invaluable. Speakers gave the class insight on cultural opportunities for tourists, Japanese businesses, and translation and interpretation to name those that I found the most interesting. Aside from the linguistic skills I acquired over the last nine weeks, the information about Japanese culture, world view, and lifestyle is what I will remember the most about this course.  --Garrett Griffin

I am a graduate student at UCLA and was enrolled in the Japanese 10 course with Dr. Asako Hayashi Takakura. The class was challenging, but I feel that my language skills have improved vastly. I am certain that my improvement is due to two main factors. First, Dr. Hayashi's dedication to the class was unsurpassable. She managed to keep the class interesting and was always willing to help her students.  Moreover, her enthusiasm for Japanese made the class very pleasant.  Second, the presentations by guest speakers were not only instructional but also inspiring.--M. Antonio Guzmán

Because of the demanding nature of the class I established many friendships that will continue far beyond UCLA. --Andrew Murphy-Greenberg

I am a senior at UCLA, but I can say that this is the very first class that made me feel like I'm actually learning more than just from the textbooks, and 100% enjoyed the learning. --Will Oh

As expected the class was a great deal of work, but I feel as though it gave me an opportunity to learn the language in a setting that is not generally available to me. I'm a neuroscience major and am taking Japanese solely because I am interested. During the year I'm often busy with other classes and lab work that I do not get to grasp the material with the same fervor as other students who are actual Japanese/Asian studies majors and can devote their time more specifically on the language. Over the summer because the class is so demanding I had no choice but to immerse myself in studying it, and feel my ability to speak and write the language has greatly improved.  --Harshul Zaveri

But on the first day of class, I feel like we got our money's worth from the class. Hayashi-sensei mentioned how there will be conversation days and guest speakers and how at the end of the class we get to watch academic award winner Okuribito... It seemed like it would be an exciting 9 weeks. Not only did we get to practice speaking Japanese outside of class with our teachers and get to know them better, we also get to talk to real Japanese students and learn their stories. --Annie Liou

I just finished the summer intensive Japanese 10 course under Hayashi Sensei and TAs Mizuno Sensei and Ishizuka Sensei and could not possibly say enough about what a fantastic experience it was for me. --Tygue Luecke

I’d like to extend thanks to not only Hayashi-sensei and the two TAs, Mizuno-sensei and Ishidzuka-sensei, but to the Asian Languages department and UCLA for providing us the opportunity to have more than just a normal college class, but a family of cultural integration, language, and preparation for all things Japanese. --Brian Sumwalt

Having guest speakers and language partners is what made learning Japanese in this class particularly unique, enjoyable, and enlightening and we couldn't have experienced it without your support--Irish Del Rosario

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