March and April have been busy months for language students in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies, as they took the stage to expand their language skills beyond the classroom.
Michael Rodgers delivered remarks at the 35th Japanese Speech Contest in Ottawa on March 9, 2024 (Photo Credit)
In March, students studying Korean and Japanese competed in regional and national speech contests. In April, students gathered in Carleton University’s Kailash Mital Theatre for Linguavision, our esteemed singing competition for language learners.
“I have had the privilege of attending these speech contests and Linguavision this year, and have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm that the language students in SLaLS show in using the language they learn in the classroom and applying it to their passions and interests,” shares Michael Rodgers, Director of the School of Linguistics and Language Studies.
“Every language teacher hopes their students will become engaged with the language this way and these students do so in spades!”
Carleton’s third annual Korean Speech Contest kicked things off on March 1, and the winners advanced to the 18th annual Toronto Korean Speech Contest on March 23.
The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) provided the three winners from Carleton’s Korean Speech Contest with funds for travel so that they could participate in the national speech contest in Toronto. Fortunately, this year, the Korean Consulate in Toronto (one of the hosts for the event) was able to provide travel support for six more Carleton students.
The Toronto Korean Speech Contest is a national speech contest, and this year’s event was attended by about 30 students from Hamilton, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Waterloo. The contest was divided into categories, and the top three winners from each category were awarded scholarships for a summer Korean course in Korea, certificates, and souvenirs.
All three Korean language instructors, Hyounjeong Yoo, Seunghee Chung, and Soyoung Kang, were in attendance to support students. According to Soyoung Kang, there was a strong and impressive Carleton presence in this year’s speech contest in Toronto.
Carleton University students with Korean language instructors Seunghee Chung (left), Hyounjeong Yoo (to the right of Seunghee), and Soyoung Kang (right) at the 18th annual Toronto Korean Speech Contest on March 23, 2024
In the beginner category, Anjali Patel won the first prize and Nadia Akrouf won the third prize. In the intermediate category, Rachel Share snagged the second prize. In the advanced category, Afshan Shaikh won the second prize while William Mayer claimed the third prize.
Regional and national Japanese speech contests also took place in March.
A total of 21 contestants from Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, and Queen’s University, competed in four categories at the 35th Japanese Speech Contest in Ottawa, which was held at the Embassy of Japan on March 9.
Wentian Yao delivered his speech at the Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest at the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa on March 24, 2024
“Carleton students really shined at this year’s regional contest: out of eight students who participated, six received prizes,” says Japanese language instructor Elizabeth Sowka.
The contest takes place annually and the first prize winners in each category of beginners, intermediate, and advanced proceed to the Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest.
Wentian Yao, a student taking the fourth-year Japanese class won the first prize in the advanced category for his speech on the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
Erdem Yanikomeroglu received the second prize in the beginner category for the speech Freedom Among the Clouds, and Marian Zazulya was awarded the second prize in the intermediate category for his speech Manga’s and Anime’s Influence. Mackenzie Lo and Zara Shamsi, both from the beginners category, were awarded the third and a special prize, respectively.
Lawrence Barss, who received the third prize in the intermediate category for the speech Learning Japanese, enjoyed the opportunity to meet fellow Japanese learners from Carleton University and elsewhere.
“Although writing and practicing my speech took a lot of time and effort, it was well worth it. In the course of practicing every day and consulting with my professor, I learned many interesting points about pronunciation, accent, and expressions. I now feel much more confident and fluent speaking in a second language. Overall, I think that the speech contest was a great way to practice my Japanese skills, and I can’t wait to return next year!”
Japanese language instructor Yoriko Aizu delivered remarks as Chair of the Organizing Committee for the 35th Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest on March 24, 2024 (Photo Credit)
The 35th Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest followed on March 24, with winners from seven regions in Canada gathering in Ottawa to compete for the Grand Prize scholarship.
“The contestants gave passionate speeches on a wide variety of topics,” Sowka shares, “including their own thoughts and experiences, social issues, language education, or Japanese culture.”
Yoriko Aizu, a Japanese language instructor and Chair of the Organizing Committee for the 35th Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest, delivered remarks at the event.
“I would like to express my pride in each of the participants in the speech contests,” Aizu shares, “including the students at Carleton University, who showed remarkable courage and effort in presenting their speeches in Japanese.”
“Their performances were truly impressive, and the powerful messages they conveyed, stemming from their own experiences, added depth to the event.”
“The contest provided a wonderful opportunity for the participants to demonstrate the language skills acquired in classrooms and further expand upon them through the creation and presentation of their speeches,” Aizu notes. “I hope their example inspires many fellow Japanese learners to follow suit, embracing the challenge and opportunity these speech contests offer for expanding language knowledge and personal growth.”
The School of Linguistics and Language Studies wrapped up the language events this term with Linguavision – a crowd favourite.
On April 3, a fantastic lineup of performers sang in eight languages and styles ranging from K-pop to Latin rap. The event, emceed by Sami and Tarah (herself a former performer), was organized by an incredible group of student volunteers.
Caleb won first place for his exceptional performance of “El Hombre del Piano” by Billy Joel (translated by Ana Belén). ALYN took second place for her enticing performance of “Tears” by So Chan Whee. Elitza and Holy claimed third place for their energetic performance of “Perfect Man” by Shinhwa.
Rahnesse was voted winner of the Audience Choice. Elena and duo Dylan and Amina were listed as Honourable Mentions for the evening, while Trisha, Vedaant, and duo Gabriela and Jayden were recognized as Judges’ Choice for their engaging performances.
Mike Barker (left) with prize winners at Linguavision on April 3, 2024
Photo Credits: Camille Barrette & Jacob Gonato
Linguavision 2025 promises to be a stellar event, marking ten years since the contest’s inception in 2015. Stay tuned for more information and updates in 2024-2025.
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