TUJ shares a lot of activities with its neighborhood. The other day, I was asked to go to Akabane elementary school to give some cultural lesson about my country, Senegal. When I got into the class, there were sixty children of 6~7 years old that welcomed me with the Senegalese flag that they hand made. It was impressive of how they were interested to learn about a new culture. Being agitated, they asked questions after questions.
First of all, I introduced the country and its location on the map and showed them many pictures about the city, the people, the traditional sport which is similar to the Japanese Sumo, the food and the music. Usually, when Japanese people hear the word Africa, they imagine indigenous people who live naked and still hunt with arrows. However, it is n ot the case and Dakar is a developed city. I refer it to Shinjuku city that does not have neon.
Anyway, I decided to get the children’ attention by asking them questions about the image they have of Senegal, making them listen to music and let them try to play the Jambe(drum) by using their desks. It was funny and cute to watch them enjoying it and being so serious about it. Then, by wearing the traditional Senegalese clothe which is very big, I asked the kids to come inside to see how many can fit in it. I guess, 13 of them were in the dress, experiencing what it is like to wear the clothe.
Senegal is very similar to Japan and that is how I approached children to explain them and give them a cultural background. Finally, I taught them how to say Hello in Senegalese “Assalamalekun” and gave them an advice to continue to be that interested in other cultures.
By the way, the Japanese word Naruhodo which means “I see!” has the same meaning as the Senegalese word Naruhodo. Located on the other side of the world and having different languages, I feel that there is a certain historical connection between the two countries.
At the end of the month, I will be going to another school to teach more about Senegal so that Japanese have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and open the door to foreigners and for
eign traditions.
Anyway, I decided to get the children’ attention by asking them questions about the image they have of Senegal, making them listen to music and let them try to play the Jambe(drum) by using their desks. It was funny and cute to watch them enjoying it and being so serious about it. Then, by wearing the traditional Senegalese clothe which is very big, I asked the kids to come inside to see how many can fit in it. I guess, 13 of them were in the dress, experiencing what it is like to wear the clothe.
Senegal is very similar to Japan and that is how I approached children to explain them and give them a cultural background. Finally, I taught them how to say Hello in Senegalese “Assalamalekun” and gave them an advice to continue to be that interested in other cultures.
By the way, the Japanese word Naruhodo which means “I see!” has the same meaning as the Senegalese word Naruhodo. Located on the other side of the world and having different languages, I feel that there is a certain historical connection between the two countries.
At the end of the month, I will be going to another school to teach more about Senegal so that Japanese have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and open the door to foreigners and for
eign traditions.
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