Pupils from 8 North East schools had an inspirational day in Durham this week, being immersed in Japanese culture and language. Staff and students from the Centre for Foreign Language Studies at Durham University, Teikyo University of Japan at Durham and Durham University’s Oriental Museum hosted North East pupils in Years 5 and 6, introducing them to Japan, the country, its culture and language, with a series of workshops and activities. Pupils from St Margaret’s, Escomb, St Andrew’s, St Benet’s and St Charles’ primary schools from Durham, plus St John Vianney (Newcastle) and Bellingham (Northumberland) took part in the day.
Pupils joined staff and students from the Centre for Foreign Language Studies (Japanese) at Durham University for a Japanese language taster session, finding out how to say some words in Japanese and exploring Japanese script. They also had fun trying traditional Yukata dress and taking part in Bon-odori dancing, which is a feature of the Japanese summer festival.
At Durham Oriental Museum, pupils were introduced to its incredible collection of Japanese ceramics, art, kimono and artefacts. They also tried kintsugi, the ancient art of repairing broken objects with lacquer mixed with precious metals, enhancing the breaks and reflecting the philosophy of accepting and celebrating the flaws and imperfections in life.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank:
- The schools and pupils who took part in the day
- Brian Stobie from Durham County Council for introducing this Festival activity
- Durham University Centre for Foreign Language Studies (Japanese) staff and students and staff at Durham University Oriental Museum for hosting this event and Teikyo University of Japan at Durham,
