| An invaluable chance to practice what we had learnt, but also a very | - 2011/10/22
- "An invaluable chance to practice what we had learnt, but also a very enjoyable evening!"
I attended my first Shimbokukai having completed about 10 lessons, and justbefore a first trip to Japan since my starting to learn with Udagawa-sensei.
As you can imagine, it is hard not to feel slightly nervous going into anenvironment where to begin with you know only one other person, and that is
our teacher who is telling you in no uncertain terms that you can onlyspeak to the others in Japanese! I was struck almost immediately, however,
by the friendliness and supportiveness of everyone there, both nativeJapanese speakers and students, and the fascinating range of backgrounds,
interests and abilities present.
Helped by some excellent Japanese food and beer, I can say withoutreservation that I came away not only with a bit more confidence in my own
ability to speak and understand Japanese, which had begun to develop throughthe lessons, but also with a sense of having spent a really nice evening outwith people who I would happily meet for a beer and some good Japanese
conversation any time.
It really provides the best form of encouragement tosee what other students have achieved.
|
|
