Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

“We think it’s important to make them feel like trying.”
Yuko Ogasawara (NYCNDA, LLC)

What kind of Japanese language program do you offer?
We are a learning center that offers programs like daycare, playgroup, mom & baby group and writing class. We also offer a hiragana [one of the Japanese writing systems] class for children who are about four years old and interested in the characters. Even for younger children who are two or three years old we have set up an environment where they can absorb Japanese language naturally by reading picture books and singing songs. In addition, we use puzzles, blocks, and balls as well as more visually attractive picture cards and dolls.

Do you have both Japanese and non-Japanese children in your program?
Yes. Their backgrounds and Japanese skills vary. What we are doing here is leading them to have fun with the language more.

How do you encourage children when they get stuck in the learning process?
Some children feel frustrated when they cannot find the proper words to express what they are thinking. We tell them, “Just try –– say anything you want. There’s no right or wrong.” We think it’s important to make them feel like trying.

What is your advice to parents on how to create a good environment for learning Japanese at home?
If they are not Japanese, they might struggle with how to approach this situation. I would suggest at least teaching greeting expressions. If people can use appropriate greetings, they can communicate somehow, I think. Since Japanese people use a variety of expressions and nuances in their greetings, it would be a nice introduction to expanding children’s language skills.

Ogasawara-sensei’s mini lesson
“Douzo”
“Douzo” is an adverb that grants permission in a polite manner as well as adds nuance to a sentence. It is a commonly used word, but it can be used in many different ways. Its meaning changes slightly depending on the sentence and the intonation. “Douzo” is close to “please” in English, but there is no word that corresponds exactly. So exploring this word is interesting.

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NYCNDA, LLC (NYC Let’s Play in Japanese)
315 E. 5th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.)
New York, NY 10003
TEL: 646-334-7426
www.nycnda.com