Yokohama Aoba International Lounge
Lecture in plain English, No. 22
Mr. Takahashi’s English Conversation “Skill Up” Lecture No. 8
“Talking about yourself in English ～How to give a self-introduction～”
Lecturer: Mr. Motoharu Takahashi (from Toyo Eiwa University)
Date: 6 July 2019 (Sat), 2PM to 4PM
Location: Aoba Community and Cross-Cultural Center
Number of Participants: 42
What do we talk about the most when given the chance to speak in English?
Perhaps it would be about ourselves?
During the 8th session in Mr. Takahashi’s English Conversation “Skill Up” Lecture series, titled “Talking about yourself in English ～How to give a self-introduction～”, participants learned how to express certain things in English, how to continue a conversation, and also how to best promote themselves and leave a memorable impression on others when giving a self-introduction.
In the second part after the break, everyone watched a segment from an American TV audition program. The segment featured Japanese comedian Yuriyan Retriever. While watching, participants studied Yuriyan’s witty responses in English and her way of appealing to the audience. Her jokes were also explained, and Yuriyan’s ability to freely use English to take on a more global challenge further motivated the participants in their studies.
If you have a chance, please check out Yuriyan’s segment on YouTube.
Mr. Takahashi’s English Conversation “Skill Up” Lectures always touch upon important points in a fun, creative, and efficient way. We’re looking forward to seeing what kind of lecture is coming next.
Click here to check upcoming events.
Lecture in plain English No.18
English conversation skill up lesson by Mr. Takahashi No.6
”English expression to make good human relation”
Date: May 19 (Sat), 2018, from 2pm to 4pm
Place: Aoba Community and Cross Cultural Center Room 5
Host: Yokohama Aoba International Lounge
This was the very popular lesson by Mr. Takahashi of Toyo Eiwa University which has been held for last 6 years. This lecture was held with many participants as usual.
The title of the lesson was “English expression to make good human relation”. He told us whether our daily English expression is suitable for the listener’s social status and age. He also told us the case we might be using impolite expressions for lack of knowledge. We learned high quality, grown-up expressions taking into account human relations. The lecture was participatory approach type. We felt two hour lesson was very short. A sequel lecture will be held on November 10 (Sat). Please join us to the next lesson.
For future events (in Japanese), please check here.
16th Lecture in plain English
“The history and Culture of République du Mali which is full of art”
Date: September 23 (Sat) from 2pm to 4pm
Place: Aoba Community and Cross-Cultural Center Room5
Host: Yokohama Aoba International Lounge
16th Lecture in plain English was held inviting Mr. Osman, Mr. Nomuko from Republic of Mari and Dr. Ba-Konare who is in Paris and linked by Skype as .guest speakers.
Mr. Ba-Abu from Senegal, which locates next to Mali, moderated the lecture.
In part 1, Mr. Osman told us the history, myth, and culture of Mali which was the center of ancient culture in northern Africa and gave birth to many myths, showing power-pont slides. .
The attendees of the lecture should be surprised of rich historical culture and art, and at the same time this was a good chance to understood the present status and problems of the country which creates refugees
We apologize that Dr. Ba-Konare could not come but joined only by Skype and also the delay of our schedule due to the delay of the start.
Lecture in plain English No.14 “Syria at present”
Date: November 6 (Sun) from 2 to 4 pm
Place: Aoba Community and Cross-Cultural Center room No. 5
Host: Yokohama Aoba International Lounge
We had Mr. Hussam and Mr. Imaad as lecturers of “Lecture in plain English”.
The title was “Syria at present”.
Part 1: History and culture of Syria
The presentation was about the history and culture of Syria in Middle East which has long history and many world heritages, however it is not well known in Japan.
Part 2: Civil war and refugee problem in Syria
They talked about Syrian civil war and more than 5 million refugees. Also the hard reality was shown using the video broadcasted at NHK and slides.
Part 3: What can we do now?
Mr. Hussam presented us his activity to support Syrian refugees, which gave us a chance to think about what is necessary for those refugees and how we Japanese can support.
Their presentation using many images helped us to understand the Syrian civil war and refugee problem which newspapers and TV report almost every day.
The presentation about the present status of Syria and refugee problem by Syrian lecturers surprised us and gave us a chance to think what we can do for this problem.
Read more: Lecture in plain English No.14 “Syria at present”
Discussion in Plain English No.38
Date: June 5 (Sun) from 2pm to 4pm
Place; Aoba Community and Cross Cultural Center Rm5
Host: Yokohama Aoba International Lounge
Subject: “Good Technique to study English”
Guest speakers
Ms.Angie Nagam
Mr.Mike Graff
We had two teachers of English conversation class of our lounge. They told us technique of improving English conversation skill which they derived from their long experience of teaching English conversation to Japanese. After the presentation, we had discussion about it.
Ms. Angie suggested us to broaden the conversation by picking up a theme related to one’s hobby so that one can enjoy talking.
Mr. Mike suggested us to look at the mouth of a native speaker carefully while speaking and imitate it since English pronunciation is difficult for Japanese. It is important to repeat it and remember.
Though the techniques that two speakers told us seemed to be simple, they were sobering points for those who are learning English conversation.
We had Prof. Motoharu Takahashi of Toyo Eiwa University, whose lecture has excellent reputation every year.
He made a lecture about daily life expression in plain English useful for international exchange.
Date; July 5 (Sun), 2015 from 2pm to 4pm
Place; Aoba Community and Cross-Cultural Center
For details, click here.
How to express this in English? -continued
Date: Feb. 16 (Sun), 2014 from 2pm to 4 pm.
Message from the lecturer:
When we speak or write in English, we tend to do direct translation from Japanese to English. However we often experience difficulity when we can't find a corresponding English word or expression. In such a case, you can express it in idiomatic English using basic words without difficulty by changing your way of thinking . In this lecture, 1. present status of English education in Japan, 2. real usage of words and experssions in English speaking countries will be presented. After that, I would like to discuss a different approach to natural English expression using the words you studied at junior high school.
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