January 25, 2023

On January 21, 2023, for the second time, Yamagata University has held its Multilingual Speech Contest "What I want to say! " While measures against infection were taken, both international and Japanese students gave short presentations.

Though there was no particular set theme, this Speech Contest gave them an opportunity for powerful talks about topics they wanted many people to know and understand. First came a Japanese speech contest by international students, then a foreign language speech contest by Japanese students.

 In the first half, five international students talked in fluent Japanese about their experiences and Japanese language studies, in the second, four Japanese students challenged their English, German, and Chinese abilities to express either their thoughts on one important issue, or their plans and aspirations for the future. The Q&A following each speech was lively every time, with the students doing their best to answer all questions.

 After the speeches, several exchange students performed martial arts and songs, both of which the audience thoroughly enjoyed; it seemed that new exchanges and friendships across the language barrier were born. We hope this experience will be an opportunity for more and wider exchange to come.

• 
• Share
• Send