Unveiling the Japanese Language and Culture: Online session at GD Goenka School Ranchi

On January 22nd, GD Goenka School in Ranchi organized an engaging online class for students of Class IV to VIII. This interactive session, led by native Japanese speakers, lasted for 30 to 35 minutes and provided students with an immersive introduction to the Japanese language and culture. The session was designed to offer both educational insights and hands-on learning experiences that helped broaden the students' horizons beyond traditional classroom subjects.

Key Highlights of the interactive session:

1. Counting in Japanese: The session began with an introduction to counting in Japanese, covering numbers from 1 to 1,000. This segment not only helped students understand the Japanese numerical system but also improved their language skills, allowing them to grasp a foundational aspect of Japanese communication.
   
2. Understanding Japanese Currency: One of the significant parts of the lesson focused on the Japanese currency – the yen. Students learned how the currency is structured, its denominations, and how it is used in everyday transactions.
   
3. Shopping in Japan: To build on the currency lesson, the class explored how to buy things in Japan. Students learned useful phrases and expressions for shopping, such as how to ask for prices, how to pay, and cultural tips related to shopping in Japan. This segment was both informative and fun, providing students with practical language skills they could use in a real-world setting.
   
4. Virtual Tour of Nishiki Market: A highlight of the class was the virtual tour of the Nishiki Market in Kyoto. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is famous for its variety of traditional Japanese foods and local specialties. The virtual tour allowed students to explore the market’s vibrant atmosphere and learn about the cultural significance of the food and items sold there.
   
5. Self-Introductions in Japanese: To conclude the session, students were encouraged to introduce themselves in Japanese. This interactive activity allowed them to practice basic Japanese phrases, such as "My name is..." and "I am from..." This not only helped students apply their learning but also built their confidence in using the language in a conversational setting.
   

Overall, the online class provided an enriching experience for the students, blending language learning with cultural exploration.

The native Japanese instructors were greatly impressed by how confidently the students introduced themselves and how quickly they picked up and accurately pronounced numbers. They commented that this was clear proof of the excellent teaching by their Indian Japanese language teachers, who have been effectively guiding them in their studies.