Cambridge student takes first prize in Japanese speaking contest

A Cambridge undergraduate has come first in a competition in which students face the daunting task of giving a full public lecture in Japanese.

Katherine Wilde, a 4th-year student in the University of Cambridge's East Asia Institute, took first prize in the annual speech contest in London.

The event challenges students to demonstrate their abilities in spoken Japanese in front of an audience of more than 100 people as well as a panel of judges. It is organised by the Japan Foundation London Language Centre and the British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language.

More than 60 people from 16 universities took part in the competition. Katherine was first screened by a telephone interview, then had to perform in front of a full audience in the Khalili Theatre in London along with 10 fellow finalists.

Her faultless speech was entitled: "Reform of the Japanese Education System in the 21st Century, Focusing on the Individual".

Ms. Toshimi Boulding, lector in Japanese language at the University of Cambridge, said: "Katherine answered the panel's questions with great composure. As well as discussing the Japanese Prime Minister Abe's latest proposals for reform, she put forward her own ideas on the need for individuality and creativity in Japanese schools.

"Her competence in Japanese and deep insight into Japanese society greatly impressed both the judging panel and the audience."

Students of Japanese at Cambridge have the opportunity to master the language and gain a comprehensive understanding of Japan and its vital role in world affairs. Japanese cultural history is taught alongside the language. For more information click the link to the right of this page.