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    Breaking language barriers, building bonds

    Breaking language barriers, building bonds

    Photo By Cpl. Muriah King | Judges evaluate each contestant’s speech and stage presence during the 56th Annual...... read more read more

    IWKAUNI CITY, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

    11.19.2017

    Courtesy Story

    Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

    Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents and Japanese locals participated in the 56th Annual Japanese and English Speech Contest in Iwakuni City, Japan, Nov. 19, 2017.

    The Japanese American Society held the event at the Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall to help strengthen the U.S. – Japan friendship.

    Japanese participants performed speeches in English while American participants performed theirs in Japanese. Contestants were judged on the content of their speeches as well as articulation, enunciation and stage presence.

    “It’s awesome to see the work and dedication everyone put in,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jamison Williams, a supply officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “They really thought about what they wanted to say to send their messages out.”

    The contest brought students as young as first grade to compete, and 85 of 94 contestants were children in grades 1-12.

    Williams said starting young gets them exposed faster, and it’s going to pave a road for them in the future.

    Contestants dedicated time to study a different language and bond with others whose culture is much different from their own.

    “Learning each other’s languages help bridge many of the gaps that have been created by misunderstanding,” said Katharine Corbin-Rusnok, the second-place winner of the advanced portion of the contest. “Together we can help overcome misconceptions.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.19.2017
    Date Posted: 11.20.2017 03:01
    Story ID: 255899
    Location: IWKAUNI CITY, YAMAGUCHI, JP

    Web Views: 200
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN