JAPN 200, “Introductory Japanese II”, conducts an interview project in the winter semester every year. At the end of February 2025, twenty students in JAPN 200 had the opportunity to interview sixteen Japanese volunteers for an hour and a half. This project is coordinated by the Japanese Language Program in collaboration with the Queen’s School of English.
Students first write a proposal containing four questions on a cultural topic of their choice. They then interview students from Japan, write a report based on the answers they collected, and give a five-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session—all in Japanese!
This project not only allows students to integrate the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), but also allows students to gain a deeper understanding of culture by learning directly from people. It gives students the chance to break down stereotypes and encourages them to read text and media critically. Additionally, Japanese students studying English also found the experience rewarding. Some said it was the first time they had interacted with students at Queen’s and that they were glad to be able to give back to the community. Others mentioned that they were motivated to improve their English, as they were impressed by the proficiency the Japanese learners demonstrated.
The interview project is an enriching opportunity for both the Japanese learners and the English learners. They learn from each other in an engaging way.
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