Bunka no Hi, as it’s known locally, is a national holiday honouring art, education, and creativity. (This in itself gives a clear indication how the argument’s going to go.)

Yes, Japan lays claim to calligraphy, kimonos, and karaoke. But then there’s anime and AI.

Accordingly, this celebration is a proud reminder how Japanese language and culture continue to shape the modern world – and why it matters to learn Japanese these days.

Enjoy Rich Rewards When You Learn Japanese

 Japan’s influence extends far beyond cherry blossom and koi carp. In fact, the Japanese language is still gaining traction in the 21st century, for multiple reasons, such as:

• Business brilliance – “Japan’s economy is second only to that of the U.S. The leading Japanese companies are among the largest, most efficiently run, and most well-known firms in the world. Familiar names like Sony, Toshiba, Sanyo, Casio, Canon, Minolta, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and many others have infiltrated the world market in a variety of sectors”, explains the College of New Jersey in its article Why study Japanese?

“Whether you’re in the field of business, engineering, manufacturing, research, economics, or politics, chances are you will be competing with, if not working for, a Japanese entity.”

• Cultural influence – Japanese culture has gone global, from J-pop to ramen. Speaking the language equips you to experience it authentically.

• Digital dominance – Japanese is the world’s third most-used language online, behind only English and Chinese.

• Logical learning – There’s just two verb tenses and phonetic spelling to get your head around. This makes Japanese refreshingly logical once you get started. 

Learn the language, Live the culture, Lead the Change

At la Academia, we’re here for the thinkers, doers, and dreamers who opt to learn Japanese. But remember, there’s more to experience than just learning the language. Additionally, you’re joining a global movement where creativity, discipline, and vision and valued and applauded.

Get in touch when you’ve decided the time is right to tap into Japan’s bold spirit at a deeper level.

What better way to level up than by learning a new language? And the good news? There’s much more to it than vocab lists (which comes as a ginormous relief to most would-be linguists).

What Makes Language Learning a Supreme Form of Self-Improvement?

Where to even start? Here’s just a few of the fundamental ways learning a language makes you a better version of yourself:

• Boost Your Brainpower – Learning a language is like taking your brain to the gym, minus the sweat. It sharpens your memory. Your brain gets better at storing and retrieving information, and your problem-solving power is heightened as you start to think in new, flexible ways. Plus, there’s long-term protection, because language learning is linked to better brain health as you age. 

• Feel Good Inside and Out – You might not think of language learning as sexy. But what’s more appealing than a confidence boost? Every conversation or new phrase is a mini win. As a result, the dopamine hit lifts your mood and you experience a greater sense of purpose. After all, connecting across cultures feels fabulous. 

• Grow as a Person – New language, new you. Your empathy increases due to a deeper understanding of life in someone else’s shoes. You even become more resilient, as you accept and learn from mistakes as part of the learning process. Not to mention you make new friends when meeting people you’d never have otherwise. 

• Open New Doors – Language learning is self-expansion. Career options multiply. Travel is transformed. And Netflix is so much better in the original language.

Meet Your New Favourite Version of You

French? Spanish? Arabic? Japanese? Something lesser known? Language learning is a love letter to your future self, no matter which tongue ticks your boxes.

At la Academia, we share all languages with hundreds of adult students every year. And we’re here to help. Get in touch to glow up your goals.

Let’s dive in.

Identity and Politics in Every Plaid

It was once the everyday attire of Highland clans. But tartan became a symbol of rebellion during the Jacobite uprisings, and was banned in defeat. Yet it’s a survivor. And when the ban was lifted, tartan’s image was transformed. With royal endorsement and the tourist kitsch, it became a brand of Scotland itself.

It’s Fashion, Dah-ling!

Here’s where it gets juicy. The 1970s punks circa Vivienne Westwood and fashion visionaries like Alexander McQueen flipped the script. They used tartan to challenge the establishment and rage against historical injustices.

As a result, tartan transcended its former existence as a mere fabric. And today, it’s a loud, proud statement of identity and change, appearing in everything from Paris catwalks to homegrown eco-conscious textile manufacturing.

A Global Phenomenon

Guess what? Tartan’s tale isn’t solely Scottish anymore either. Now, it’s woven itself into the fabric of cultures worldwide, from the stylish streets of the Harajuku girls to the official symbols of Canada.

But, what about the rich, interconnected world tartan symbolises? Tartan Day is a perfect moment to explore the interwoven languages and histories its touched. The Scottish Gaelic, English, Japanese, French languages and more have shaped and been shaped by tartan’s journey. And each language forms a thread in the world’s vivid pattern.

Join us, at la Academia, to unravel the languages behind the plaid. From Scottish Gaelic to Japanese, our courses are designed to immerse yourself in culture, making every lesson a voyage of discovery. Get in touch to enrol and start weaving your own tartan tale.

So, let’s dive in and uncover the top five reasons why Japanese is capturing the hearts and minds of people worldwide:

1. Join the Conversation – Wikipedia states there’s 123 million Japanese speakers Accordingly, speaking the Japanese language opens doors to a vast and vibrant community, enabling you to connect with people across cultures and effortlessly share experiences.

2. Savor the Flavours – Exploring Japanese cuisine goes hand in hand with learning the language. To this end, speaking Japanese brings you closer to the heart of Japanese gastronomy, from sushi to ramen and everything in between. Yum!

3. Boost Career Opportunities – Japanese language proficiency can be a key differentiator in the job market, especially in sectors the Japanese are renowned for, such as the automotive industry, technology, and finance.

4. Travel, Teach and Thrive – Some students have aspirations to teach English in Japan. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for non-native Japanese speakers to find fulfilling roles, as demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) continues to surge. What better cross-cultural exchange and personal growth could you wish for?

5. Become a Culture Vulture – Learning Japanese opens a whole new world of enthralling experiences. From addictive J-pop tunes, to intriguing animation, movies and literature, all of these cultural offerings provide alluring glimpses into Japan’s rich heritage.

At La Academia, learning Japanese promises to be a rewarding and exhilarating journey. Ready to take the leap and discover the magic of this dynamic language? Get in touch today about learning options.

Here are five designs for life we can all learn from the Japanese:

1. Ikigai – Reason for Being: The Western notion of finding fulfilment revolves around doing what we love and what the world needs. Whereas the Japanese concept of ikigai centres on being present in the moment and experiencing bliss. In short, discovering our purpose and finding joy in the journey itself can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

2. Kaizen – Continuous Improvement: Japanese business philosophy Kaizen emphasises continuous improvement. This might mean different things to different people, such as valuing our clients and customers, minimising waste, focus on the journey rather than the destination, analysing data for better decision making, or empowering others to make improvements.

3. Kenshin – Dedication: In Japan, kenshin represents unwavering dedication and focus. It means wholeheartedly committing oneself to both work and play. After all, striving for excellence and taking ownership of our actions are qualities that often contribute to personal growth and success.

4. Sonkei – Respect: The concept of sonkei extends beyond mere courtesy. It encompasses respect for others, nature, objects, language, time, and oneself. Cultivating a habit of gratitude and mindfulness towards everything and everyone fosters a harmonious existence.

5. Wabi-Sabi – Appreciating Simplicity: Wabi-sabi is the art of finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection. Embracing a minimalistic lifestyle, appreciating the present moment, and accepting imperfections can bring about a sense of tranquillity and contentment in our lives. We find beauty in the spaces between things, rather than seeking control.

At La Academia, we offer a captivating range of in-person and online Japanese language learning options. So, get in touch when you’re ready to share more life-affirming secrets from the land of the rising sun, for business or personal use.

So, there’s no better time than World Teachers Day on 5^th October to give them a ginormous shout out. After all, it’s a day of celebration that’s especially apt for our amazing team members. They come from all over the world. They teach students from all over the world. And they give the gift of languages from all over the world.

You might have read our ‘In the Staffroom’ series if you’re a regular to our newsfeed. It’s an opportunity to lift the curtain on the people behind the lessons, and to discover the impact that language has had on their lives and careers.

Here’s a few highlights if you missed them first time around.

Memorable ‘In the Staffroom’ Moments with Language Teachers at Manchester’s La Academia

• French – Elisabeth Diamantidis – “Helping people learning French and getting something from the experience, it’s so enriching. Each student is unique, not only because of their original country, but because of their experience, needs… It’s rewarding to adjust the teaching and find special solutions for each one.”

• Spanish – Silvi Hilman – “I teach Spanish to the mini ones at La Academia. I love interacting with them and teaching them through songs, puppets, stories… they absolutely love it!”

• Hebrew – Judith Romang – “I never lose my fascination for seeing how the language and customs developed in Israel itself have a ripple effect around the world. It’s a magical language, full of culture and history – a millennial language brought into modernity by everyday life.”

• Chinese –Vivien Hom – “After I became a mum, I started focusing on teaching Mandarin Chinese as my career. It’s a win:win. I really enjoy it. And I’m proud to teach the language and culture I love.”

• Arabic – Warka Ali Al Wandawi – “My career has developed in such a way that I feel obliged to spread my passion. So, I’ve adopted creative methods and I’ve even come up with my own tools to teach the Arabic language.”

• Spanish – Miryam Lora Yuste – “I have extensive experience in English and Spanish language teaching, and a genuine passion for helping other people enrich their lives with languages.”

• Japanese – Gill Hall – “Over the past 10 years or so I’ve been sharing my love of the Japanese language with La Academia students, privately, and on a one-to-one basis, mainly taking students to GSCE standard, and sometimes beyond.”

But don’t just take our word for it. Come and meet the greatest language teachers in Manchester for yourself, either in-person at the school in Cheadle, or on-screen via Zoom.

At La Academia, we’ve got brilliant teachers in ALL languages. Get in touch for a chat about the language you want to learn from scratch, or polish up to intermediate or advanced level.

You might not see or hear much if Halloween isn’t a thing in the country you’re visiting, or if the local version of Halloween isn’t widely upheld.

But, in other countries you’ll experience a sensory spooktacular of spine-tingling strangeness and terror-inspiring voices from beyond the grave. Imagine gruesomely ghoulish gurglings in other languages!

Here’s a spell-binding selection of weird and wonderful monster mashes you might find yourself involved with if you’re abroad in late October –

·        China

Halloween is known as Teng Chieh in China. The Chinese enjoy phantasmagoric fun by placing food and drinks in front of photographs of their dearly departed friends and relatives.

Besides offering refreshments, the Chinese also have bonfires and light lanterns to guide the spirits of their loved ones who return to roam the earth for one night every year. 

·        Czech Republic

The Czech people pull up an extra chair on Halloween for spirits to come and join them. So, don’t be fooled by thinking you’re in a half empty room. It might be packed to the rafters. You just can’t see how many ghostly party-goers have taken up the invitations of their earthy kith and kin.

·       Latin America, Mexico and Spain

El Dia de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead – is a major three-day supernatural celebration.  Parades of revellers dance through the streets dressed as skeletons. Someone is chosen to be carried in a coffin, with other participants throwing fruit, flowers and sweets to them.

Candlelit church services and prayers at home are held throughout the fang-tastic fiesta.

It isn’t without its macabre elements. But it’s an uplifting affair that celebrates the cycle of life from birth to death.

There’s nothing scarier and more ominous than not being able to speak any other languages besides your own native language.

At La Academia, we can’t promise other languages will protect you from supernatural spirits. But we can guarantee your time abroad will be a whole lot less blood-curdling when you have other languages at your disposal to communicate with the living… and the dead.

Sources

Halloween Traditions and Celebrations Around the World, Pumpkin Patches & More
https://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenglobal.php

Last month we spoke to our fabulous Gill. She told us how was beguiled by the Japanese language, after finding herself in the land of the rising sun by default. A lifelong passion that’s never faded. Here’s what she told us: –

Q: Great to catch up with you, Gill. We know you’ve lived in Japan. Tell us how that came about?

A: I ended up in Japan by chance in 1990. And I was having such a great time I ended up staying. It became my home, and I built a career there. It’s about as different as life in the UK as you can imagine, and then some! It still continues to surprise and fascinate me all these decades later.

Q: It sounds like a real experience. As a Brit abroad, how easy or difficult did you find the Japanese language in the early days?

A: Yes. As the foreigner I had almost celebrity status in a small village in the Chugoku mountains. I like to talk to people. And nobody else spoke English. I had no choice but to immerse myself. So, I became competent in the Japanese language very quickly.

Q: And what about your career over there? How did that develop?

A: I started off teaching English in a junior high school. Then I also taught English at Niigata University. I continued with my own studies at the same time, for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test level 1. And I’ve been teaching mainly Japanese, and some English, ever since.

Q: Fantastic. And your passion for everything Japanese goes on and on?

A: Absolutely. Since my return to the UK I’ve taught Japanese at Manchester University, MMU, Salford University, and a variety of secondary schools. And, of course, over the past 10 years or so I’ve been sharing my love of the Japanese language with La Academia students. Privately, and on a one-to-one basis, mainly taking students to GSCE standard, and sometimes beyond.

Q: We keep you very busy. What do you get up to outside of work in your leisure time?

A: You do. When I’m not teaching I volunteer on the National Breastfeeding Helpline. And, generally muddle my way through life.

Has Gill’s story sparked your interest in learning the Japanese language? Then get in touch. Here at la Academia, we’ll be delighted to answer all your questions about your learning options and prices.