About this year’s contest
The Japanese Speech Contest is an annual event for enthusiasts of the Japanese language. Its 43rd edition took place on March 29. The event was organized by the Embassy of Japan in Poland and the Japanese Language Teachers Association.
Every year, the contestants prepare a three-minute speech in Japanese on a topic of their choice. This year, students from SWPS University focused on themes related to intercultural communication. They demonstrated their language skills, public speaking abilities, and knowledge of the subject.
The Japanese jury included representatives of the Japan Foundation in Budapest and the Japanese Language Teachers Association in Poland. The students were supervised by the Japanese language instructors of SWPS University, Zofia Kurzawińska and Toko Nakano.
The following day, the Japanese Language Teachers Association held a meeting focused on best practices in teaching Japanese. SWPS University was represented by Zofia Kurzawińska.
SWPS University’s Department of Asian Studies
The Department of Asian Studies at SWPS University offers a three-year undergraduate Asian Studies: China and East Asia study program in Polish.
Apart from teaching, department academics and collaborators are engaged in research and popularization of culture, history, societies, and business practices of China, Korea, Japan and other countries of the region.
Our teaching staff includes both academics and practitioners such as diplomats, public servants, and representatives of the business community. Our goal is not only to popularize knowledge about East Asia, but also to show various Asian perspectives: cultural, social, or political. We strive to understand Asia in all its complexity, avoiding cultural clichés and prejudices, and maintaining scientific objectivism.