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The Embassy of Japan and UWI’s Centre for Language Learning (CLL) jointly mounted the Third Japanese Language Speech Contest in Trinidad and Tobago on August 21. This year’s edition is the first in the region to be held entirely online. Aidan Roberts, Gabrielle Motilal and Zaynab Nakhid were the winners of the contest’s three categories.

The Japanese section of the CLL often sets the tone for the cultural activities and Friday’s event was no exception. The virtual event was attended online by Mr Tatsuo Hirayama, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; his wife Mrs Sachiko Hirayama; Mr Nakaba Aoyagi, CEO of Caribbean Gas Chemical Limited; and Mr Goro Sato and Ms Shiho Sato, Japanese Language Senior Specialists from The Japan Foundation in Mexico. The latter four served as judges for the evening.

The contest was held with the aim to:

  • Create an opportunity for Japanese language learners to express their thoughts using the language.
  • Provide an interactive opportunity for learners to share their language acquisition experience.
  • Give learners a chance to show their language achievement to family and friends.
  • Improve participants’ proficiency by guiding them through the process of drafting and delivering a speech.
  • Increase public recognition of Japanese language education in Trinidad and Tobago.

Nine participants competed in one of three categories on the night – Elementary, Intermediate and Special. Their speeches were judged on linguistic competence, content and performance. Each participant had to introduce their pre-recorded speech and respond to a live question from one of the judges.

The virtual audience included former CLL Japanese tutors and current Embassy and CLL staff, as well as friends and well-wishers. While the judges were deliberating, the audience was able to participate in Japanese trivia games and catch up with the Japan-based tutors. Those who registered early were able to engage directly in the Zoom session while a livestream to the CLL’s Facebook page ensured that none were left out.