The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City, will be hosting “Taking the Mystery out of the Japanese Language” with Taketo “Ted” Ohtani on Monday, May 22nd, from 3:30 until 5pm.
This program will introduce the Japanese Language to those who are interested in learning and/or clarifying some mysterious elements surrounding the language. By understanding the historical background of the written forms of Japanese, one should be able to identify three forms of letters used in the language. Participants will learn how to write his or her name in Japanese and to identify “fake” Japanese letters. By practicing spoken Japanese during this lecture, one becomes comfortable with speaking some useful Japanese phrases. The lecturer will introduce some specific ways to start learning authentic Japanese.
To achieve the above, actual Japanese magazines, manga books, and other publications will be displayed. Some role plays will be done using spoken Japanese. Handouts with Japanese phonetical letters will be given to each participant.
By the end of the sessions, participants will be able to feel confident in interpreting many Japanese words used in English-speaking media as well as enhancing the level of appreciation of today’s popular Japanese entertainment such as Cosplay, Manga, Anime, etc.
Taketo came to the US in 1960. Lived in TN, IN, NJ, MI, FL, VA, and NC. Worked at ORNL, Library Congress, Mary Washington College (Japanese language instructor), Bell Labs (Japanese translator/interpreter), IBM (translator of IBM web pages), and Univ. of South Florida (Japanese language instructor). Currently lives in Franklin, NC, with his wife, Rachel Parrish Ohtani, who attended Cowee Elementary School in Macon Co., NC.
The Marianna Black Library, a member of the Fontana Regional Library, is located in Downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector. For more information or driving directions please call the library 488-3030.