The Japan-America Society of Central Ohio will host the fifth annual Japanese Language Speech Contest March 8.
Ivan Aleister Rorick, a junior in Japanese and criminology and winner of the third prize last year, is busy preparing for this year’s contest.
“It was fun and interesting,” Rorick said.
He is ready to challenge himself for the grand prize — a trip to Japan during the summer.
Japanese teachers are encouraging students to participate in the speech contest to utilize Japanese knowledge, improve Japanese skill and expand cultural experiences.
“It is an opportunity to use what you learned in a public form, and it is an opportunity that you don’t get very often,” said Mari Noda, an associate professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature.
Perfect memorization and delivery do not guarantee a win in the speech contest, Noda said.
Students must be able to answer questions in Japanese about their subject during the question-and-answer session, as well.
The Japanese use different levels of politeness when speaking to different individuals. For example, when talking to the elderly and professionals, the most polite form of the language must be used.
Since the Japanese are reluctant to correct people, students will benefit by asking a Japanese friend to be strict with them, Noda said.
Interested participants are required to write and tape an original three-minute long speech.
Along with the written speech and tape, a form will need to be filled out by Feb. 5. For more information call the Japan-American Society office at 292-4002.
