25 March 2024 | Part 1 | Your village and native language💬

Do you work or study? Currently, I am a student. I am pursuing a degree in Agricultural Science at the local university. Do you live in a village, town, or city? I live in a charming village in the countryside of Japan. What do you like about your village? One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community. We have annual festivals for a variety of occasions, and I like how these festivals bring a sense unity and belonging. My village is also just a really beautiful place. It has fields and mountains and cherry blossoms that come out in the spring. Is your village a good place to raise children? It certainly is. The safety of our village makes it an ideal environment for raising children. There are clean parks, safe streets and close-knit neighbourhoods. Children are safe to explore and play freely. Moreover, the local schools prioritise holistic education, instilling values of respect and cooperation from a young age. What languages are children taught in schools? In our schools, children primarily learn Japanese, which is our native language. Additionally, English is introduced as a compulsory subject from elementary school onwards to prepare students for global opportunities. Is music used to teach the native language in your country? Yes, music is integrated into language education. Japanese nursery rhymes and traditional songs are often used to teach language fundamentals, enhance pronunciation and deepen cultural understanding. It makes the learning process more engaging and memorable for students of all ages. Whose duty is it to teach the native language to children? The responsibility of teaching the native language primarily rests with our educational institutions. They are equipped with innovative teaching methods and resources to impart language skills effectively. However, I believe parents also play a crucial role in nurturing language development at home. They can do a lot to foster a child's love for our rich cultural heritage and language.