Japan 101: Language & Culture
Taught by Mary Weatherburn
Mary has drunk, eaten and bowed her way across the length of Japan. Her work experience in the country has ranged from translator and cultural ambassador for local government in Aomori to advising senior management at Google in Tokyo. But a degree in Japanese language didn’t stop her from being lost in translation – and with what she learned you don’t have to be.
Find her on Twitter at @marywbn
A visit to Japan is just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on – or off for that matter – from a stroll around a peaceful pagoda to a dip in a natural hot spring. Whether you’re dreaming of visiting the Land of the Rising Sun or can’t wait to go back, this class will give you the tools you need to make the most of it.
The class is divided into two parts: language and culture.
Language: Busy? Good news – in less time than it takes to buy your flight, you’ll learn how to communicate more effectively than you could with months of Japanese study. Most importantly, you’ll be able to order beer with just one word.
Culture: Don’t want one false move of your chopsticks to cast a death omen over your fellow diners? Prefer to avoid spreading filth across your host’s living room with a simple bathroom slipper indiscretion? Learn key cultural ‘dos and don’ts’ so that you can be a model foreigner in Japan.
