The UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) collaborated with the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) and Immersive Open Pedagogy (IOP) Project in the conduct of a hybrid session on Filipino-Japanese Intercultural Communication with a focus on Hiragana and Katakana review. The hybrid session was held on 19 April 2024 at The Sandbox, UP Open University Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. Mr. Eishi Senaha, a PhD candidate at Kyoto University and a visiting researcher of the Third World Studies Center at the University of the Philippines, and Mr. Kenichiro Kurusu, a lecturer at De La Salle University and PhD student at UP Diliman were the resource speakers.
During the presentation, Mr. Senaha and Mr. Kurusu discussed their views and experiences studying the Filipino language, allowing them to compare and contrast the distinctions between Japanese and Filipino. They also emphasized cultural parallels between the two languages, which provided participants with insight into Japanese society. Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Deputy Director of the Open and Digital Teaching and Learning Research, CODTL, and IOP Program Director also presented a gamified review of Hiragana and Katakana.
The organizer also took the opportunity to introduce the International Exchange Students program coordinated by the UP Office of International Linkages (UP-OIL). Ms. Jane Denise T. Tomacruz provided tips on how to get into the MOVE-UP Program successfully. She gave a brief background about the MOVE UP Program and the academic requirements to be eligible for the program. Mr. Rajan Joaquin G. Llaguno, a recipient of the 2024 International Exchange Program for Korea, encouraged fellow students to apply and persevere through the application process. He acknowledged that although the process can be lengthy and demanding, the reward of receiving approval makes it all worthwhile. He also expressed his gratitude to his professors and staff, who assisted him in processing his documents and securing additional funds.
Their sharing has inspired other students to consider similar opportunities.
Overall, the seminar provided the participants, most of whom were UPOU undergraduate students, with a broader perspective of language and culture. It gave them great insights into the interculturality of Filipino and Japanese languages.
Written by Eleanor P. Manipol and Jessa Perez ♦ Edited by Ricardo T. Bagarinao and Anna Cañas-Llamas
