Japanese 3 students Makybie Robb and Taso Bookarof practicing their speaking skills. 

Japanese 3 student Taso Bookarof shares his reflection: 

In the Japanese 3 classes, we have been heavily focused on learning new words and phrases. I am learning that with each new phrase, comes a different and re-useable sentence structure. Personally, I find it interesting how different words mix and match, much like puzzle pieces. The Japanese language puzzle has different rules and patterns to our familiar English language puzzle.

My favourite part of studying Japanese is the pronunciation and diction of words. The Japanese language involves a lot of hard consonants that encompass using the tongue, to touch the roof of the mouth to create the correct sound. I find creating these sounds in fast succession satisfying and rewarding. Speaking full sentences in a natural manner like a native speaker, in normal real-time conversation, is also extremely rewarding. It’s a fun and interactive way to evaluate my progress.

Recently in class, we have pivoted into talking about Japanese culture in respect to their history. I find this fascinating because it highlights the difference in belief systems and hierarchy inside of households. I enjoy studying Japanese as it unlocks the understanding of a different culture and offers me a different method of communication.

Japanese 3 student Makybie Robb is also passionate about learning the language. Here is a reflection on her experience learning Japanese with Karen Marshall: 

The Japanese courses are the kind where you can’t just skip level two and go straight to level three. Even though I had studied the language on and off during primary school and during my own time there was still a lot I had to learn in the level two course. I’ve been interested in the language and culture since I started learning it in Grade One. I find it a lot of fun contrasting what’s different and similar between our culture and language and Japan’s. In my spare time, I like to support my studies by exploring Japanese culture on the internet by watching travel vlogs, listening to music, and recently, watching Japanese cinema. It’s a good excuse to use entertainment as homework. Learning a new language is a lot of fun, it’s extremely rewarding being able to slowly understand more and more of what’s being said when I watch a movie or listen to a song.

Q and A with French Student

Charlotte Robertson is studying French 2 with Shane Wolfe this year. 

What has been your experience learning language prior to starting at Don? I I learnt a little bit of French at Ulverstone Secondary College a couple of years ago but nothing since then.

Why did you choose French this year?

I have plans to travel later in life and French is widely spoken across the world. In Australia it provides the biggest opportunity to learn a language. 

What have you been learning in French this term? We have been learning language to describe oneself, and verbs to express that such as, "to have" and "to be". We have also been learning French expressions that are polite and the cultural aspects of French culture and customs. 

What are some of the challenges learning a new language? Pronunciation is very different. There are some sounds in other languages that we don’t have in English, it takes a lot of practice. I listen to other people saying the kinds of things we are learning and watch mouth movements.

What do you see as the reward in learning a new language? It sets up a lot of opportunities for jobs, and often in a well-paying career. I might possibly use it later on in either work or when I go travelling overseas.

One of the unexpected benefits is that it has helped me also learn a lot about English grammar, because it is pointed out rather than knowing it naturally from it being a native language.

Charlotte's powerpoint assignment to illustrate how to use basic greetings, verbs constructs and introductions in French