So maybe you're now convinced that learning
a new language is the best educational investment you could make for your
preschooler. But why should your child learn Japanese instead of Chinese,
German, Spanish, or other foreign languages?
Here is our list of reasons to pick Japanese at Himawari Preschool:
- Unlike many languages, Japanese has a simpler set of sounds than English.
Other than having one slightly different sound unlike English (it's
like making an "r" sound while flicking the tongue down from
the roof of the mouth), all the other sounds are contained within the
English sound system. Also, the Japanese "alphabet" (46 characters)
is made up of these sounds, like phonetic writing, so your child can
easily see something and know how to say it correctly.
- Japanese culture is very kid-friendly. From the pop-culture of TV
shows, anime, and toys, to the more traditional fairy tales, children's
games, and festivals, there are many ways for children to become engaged
in Japanese language and culture. Our school integrates traditional
Japanese songs, plays, games and cultural events into our school year
calendar, so that the year moves by quickly and pulls the kids along
naturally as they become more confident in using Japanese.
- We have a high concentration of Japanese children and families at
our school. This gives your child a natural setting in which to learn,
share and use Japanese. In addition, these families are excited to make
new American friends, and are happy to learn through exchanging their
culture with American families.
- Our teachers are Early Childhood Education specialists with degrees
and teaching experience from both Japan and the US. They can provide
a uniquely Japanese educational experience for your children, while
being familiar with the best practices in US early childhood education.
Our teaching assistants also have degrees, speak Japanese, and have
taught children before.
And here are some reasons to pick Japanese over other foreign languages:
- According
to Wikipedia, Japanese is the language of the country with the 2nd
largest GDP in the world ($4.9 trillion back in 2005). Japanese companies
are internationally known and have a global outlook. This means that
there are lots of economic opportunities available for future speakers
of Japanese, either in a Japanese company or with a group having dealings
with Japan.
- Here in Michigan, Japan is the largest trading partner overseas, after
Canada and Mexico. Japan is the largest foreign investor in Michigan.
Japanese companies have created almost 60,000 jobs here, mostly manufacturing
and mostly (94%) Americans. In Oakland
County alone, Japanese-owned companies comprise 24% of all foreign-owned
companies, and are the largest international investors there. Doesn’t
it make sense for your child to know Japanese and have an advantage
in relating to all of this economic activity?
- As for exports from the US, Japan is the largest US overseas market
($54 billion in 2004). That is why so many US companies are investing
in Japan now.
- Japanese
have a high savings rate per household compared to the US. This
means that older Japanese have more money to spend, both here and in
Japan.
-
Japanese make many trips to the US: In 2004, Japan was second only
to the UK in number of tourists visiting here. They are also one of
the top spenders per tourist (along with the US, Germany and the UK).
Since the US is the world’s 3rd most popular tourist destination,
doesn’t it make sense for anyone in the hospitality industry to
speak a little Japanese? Think of the tips!
- The Japanese have a long life expectancy: 6th
longest at 81.25 years vs. the US at 46th and 77.85 years. They
also have a very low birth rate: 195th
at 1.40 children per couple, vs. the US at 129th and 2.09 children per
couple. These 2 facts combine to create a huge need for young employees
in Japan, who can speak Japanese.
- Japanese
speakers are the 4th largest group on the internet. This makes interacting
with Japanese more convenient from the US than ever before.
- Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese are more innovators than
copiers of ideas. Japan
has led the world in number of patents filed since 1974 (2005 data),
and filed the most patents in 5 out of 8 recognized technical fields.
Research and Japanese go hand-in-hand.
- Japan
is a major influence today in pop culture. Getting into Japanese
language and culture is a way of getting into one of the hottest cultural
venues currently out there.
- Because of Japan's isolationist past, there are fewer overseas communities
of Japanese speakers than, say, Chinese. This means that there is less
competition from native speakers living outside Japan.
Whether you think your child might become an automotive engineer, a
doctor, or running a golf course here in Michigan, learning Japanese puts
them at an advantage with one of the most affluent, friendly, and misunderstood
minorities here in SE Michigan.
That’s why we are starting our bilingual preschool experience
here at Himawari (Sunflower) Preschool. We have a special little school
with Japanese kids eager to share with their new American friends. We
hope that by giving your child this special chance, the children of our
Japanese families will also have a unique opportunity to share and learn
together.
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