Event: Food and Culture/食べものと文化

Posted on 14 June 2023

Cultural event to promote Japanese culture at the University of York

The Department of Language and Linguistic Science on 16th March 2023 hosted a Japanese cultural event ‘Food and Culture / 食べものと文化’. This event was organised and run by Megumi Bailey (Lecturer in Japanese) as part of a series of cultural activities to promote Japanese language learning and culture.

‘Food and Culture / 食べものと文化’ attracted a diverse group of participants, comprising LFA Japanese students, Japanese students engaged in exchange programs and those from the Centre for Global Programmes, and individuals enrolled in a short course on the Japanese language and culture.To kick off the event, a few engaging games were held, allowing participants to explore and reflect upon the prototype of communication through drama techniques. Following this insightful session, a range of activities centred around Japanese traditional culture was conducted. A highlight of the gathering was the collective sharing of food and drinks, comprising both traditional Japanese and international food. This communal experience fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

"I attempted to create a learning environment that transcended the boundaries of class, level, and institution, gathering individuals with "Japanese language" as a common point of interest. Not only students from my classes, but also students from Japan in exchange programmes and those taking short courses participated. Through engaging in games that, in a way, serves as a primal form of communication, they were able to establish immediate camaraderie, even among individuals who had just met for the first time, transcending the need for language. Gathered as learners of the Japanese language, the aim is not only to enhance our linguistic proficiency but also to recognise ourselves and others as integral members of society. I think it is important to encourage each other to respect, be open and grow together, always mindful of our shared role as "global citizens". - Megumi Bailey, Department of Language and Linguistic Science

That’s what students who participated in the event had to say:

I really loved this event! It was really nice to meet new people with common interests and I feel like I made a lot of new friends. It was also interesting to try so many different activities and foods surrounding Japanese culture.
I made new friends who have the same interest in Japanese culture and got to try a variety of new activities/foods relating to Japan which has given me greater insight into a country I am considering studying in
New contacts, speaking and listening practice, support from Japanese students. Making learning Japanese fun and not just classroom based.