Thursday, May 27, 2010

シンガポールは暑い?それとも寒い? Is Singapore hot? Or cold?

私の同僚は「寒い。寒い。」と教室で震えています。もちろん靴下もはいています。
どうして、こんなにシンガポールのビルの中って寒いのでしょうか?
エネルギーの無駄だと思うんだけど。
もしかして、この温度はシンガポールのみなさんにはちょうどいいですか?

My colleagues are always saying [I'm shivering.. It's very cold..] while trying to endure the cold in the classrooms. Of course, socks, stockings and leggings are worn. So why is it that the temperature in the buildings in Singapore are so cold? I think that it's a waste of energy though.
Could it be that this temperature is just right for Singaporeans?

By Tsuchiya sensei.

Comments please~! :)

Monday, May 24, 2010

安室奈美恵 Amuro Namie

昨日のYAHOO JAPANで読んだんですが、安室奈美恵が『WORLD MUSIC AWARDS 2010』で『BEST ASIAN ARTIST』という賞をもらったそうです。
そういえば、最近シンガポールでもコーラのCMがON AIRされてますけど、みなさんも もう見ましたか?けっこういいよね!
YOU TUBEでメイキングをみつけたので見てみてください。

In yesterday's YAHOO JAPAN, it was reported that Amuro Namie was awarded the [BEST ASIAN ARTIST] award during the [WORLD MUSIC AWARDS 2010].
And to come to think of it, the latest Coke Zero commercial featuring her has already hit the screens in Singapore. Has anyone watched it yet? It's pretty good!

The making of the commercial was found on YouTube. Everyone, please enjoy it!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

青葉の学生は「おしゃれさん」が多い! Fashionable students!

学生が日本語を勉強し始める理由はそれぞれ違いますが、最近多いのは日本の文化が好きだからという答えです。漫画やアニメ、それにファッション。

There are many reasons as to why students started to learn Japanese. When asked, the students often relate their interest in the language to liking the culture of Japan. Of course, the three main topics that spark up the interest in most people are Manga, Anime and Fashion.

今でも日本のサブカルチャーは衰えをしりません。私たち日本人よりもっとアニメに詳しい学生ばかりで、逆に私たちがいつも教えてもらっていますし、ファッションも日本の雑誌で研究している人がたくさんいます。そのためか、青葉には日本人より日本人っぽい学生が多いんですよ。

Even now, Japan's subculture is still thriving. There are many students who know much more about anime than us Japanese. Instead, we are the ones who are always receiving the latest information or news from them. Also, passionate students who take an interest in Japanese fashion magazines and do research on it's content are also commonplace. For that reason, the amount of Japanese-ish students has far surpassed those of the Japanese in AOBA.

いつもおしゃれもメークもばっちりのかわいい学生とお友達になるチャンスです。どんどんAOBAで日本語を勉強すると、おまけもついてくるのでした・・・。

In short, students who dress up fashionably, put on perfect make up, etc. have increasingly gathered in our school as there are many opportunities to meet up with their friends and discuss the Japanese culture. AOBA has gradually evolved from just a Japanese school to a place which provides many opportunities for people to mingle and share their knowledge with others, bringing in a whole new learning experience!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

キムタク New Drama

Kimura Takuya has a new drama called 「月の恋人」 or 'Tsuki no Koibito'!

Apparently its his first romance drama since Beautiful Life 10 years ago and we at Aoba (closet kimutaku fans) really hope this is a good drama to catch! You can read more at Fuji Television's official site.


And surprise surprise, Chiling-Lin has a major role in this drama!


Have any of you started watching this drama yet?

What do you think of the first episode and the characters?

(Btw, one staff insists KimuTaku looks different in this drama. Any takers?)


For those who like KimuTaku, we have a couple of drama titles at our library for you to borrow! Namely:

1. Love Generation (V6)

2. あすなろ白書 (V84)

3. 空から降る一億の星 (V57)

4. Change (V107)


Meanwhile, have a good evening while we bet who KimuTaku will end up with in 月恋...

Saturday, May 15, 2010

オシャレスナップ Fashion Snap

Weather is not an excuse for Aoba students to dress like they walked out of a fashion magazine! We paparazzi-ed 2 of our very fashionable students today - so cutely dressed in a mix of spring's small flowers trend with a sporty touch.

Angeline (left) is outfitted in a floral playsuit mixed with a hood jacket and fringe bag, while Jeslyn (right) added a playful touch to her sweet skirt with nike dunks and a canvas bag.

What do you like most about their outfits?
Do you like Japanese fashion magazines?

We would like to hear about your love for fashion! Comments welcomed!
Lastly, let us take your fashion snap the next time you're in Aoba!

Angeline (left): jacket/Uniqlo, jumpsuit/Zara, bag/Mango, shoes/New Look
Jeslyn (right): top/Muji, cami/Uniqlo, skirt/Rakuten, sneakers/Nike, bag/Bape


Jeslyn's bape bag with cute cher and teddy pouches

Angeline's dolly makeup

Monday, May 10, 2010

Yet another successful cultural event: Lunch At Watami

Hi everyone!

こんにちは

Yesterday's 'Lunch at Watami' at [The Central]was a highly responsive and successful event.

Everyone was seated in such a way that no one from their direct opposite or side is from the same country. This allows the participants to actively speak in the language they are learning, be it Japanese, English or Chinese.

Following, the scrumptious feast was served a course at a time. The platter included sushi, okonomiyaki, pizza, udon, dessert and much more. Food was well prepared and the staff were very friendly.

About the culture of half kneeling:
Did you notice that when you were speaking to the staff at Watami, ordering food or being served a dish, they often practice the posture of half kneeling?
Here's the reason why!
Half kneeling is actually part of the traditional Japanese culture. At Watami, they try to exude a traditional Japanese atmosphere by doing so.
Aside from that, they half kneel so as to look at the customer on the same eye level and not to look down at them. As opposed to standing up and talking to a sitting customer, it's more comfortable isn't it?

Aoba places high emphasis on creating a pleasant cultural exchange environment for our students to have the chance to speak and practice their Japanese language skills with native speakers. For those who unfortunately did not have the opportunity to join us this time, please keep yourself updated with Aoba's facebook or blog for more details on future events and activities!


Here are the lovely pictures of Aoba's students and their Japanese friends during the event~

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

AOBA CHAT ただ今OPENしました!

おまたせしました。AOBA CHAT ただ今OPENしました!

AOBA CHATはAOBA LANGUAGE CENTREで日本語を勉強するみなさんと先生たちのおしゃべりのブログです。
いっしょに、楽しくおしゃべりしましょう。

Welcome to Aoba's blog!
A rendezvous place for all students and teachers of Aoba!
This blog aims to promote and facilitate further communication between the teachers, students and potential students of Aoba. Wait no further, add us to your RSS feed or bookmark this page now!

Various topics will be discussed from time to time, further enhancing your knowledge of the Japanese culture. Please feel free to provide your own opinions and comments.

Let's take chatting to the next level!

NOTE:このブログは先生のつぶやき(ときどき愚痴)を、学生サポーターの助けを得て発信するブログです。あたたかいレスをお願いします。

Note: This blog's content (sometimes grumbles from teachers) is supplied by the teachers from Aoba, and (translated)& published with the help of student assistants. Heart warming responses are greatly appreciated.

AOBA(青葉)
学校の名前について少しお話しますね。
日本ではちょうど今、桜の花が終わって、木々から元気な葉がでてくる季節ですね。
生まれたばかりの葉にはそんなパワーがあふれています。
芽が葉へ、そして、やがて大きな木や、きれいな花になる。
そんなふうに、みなさんと私たち教師がいっしょに成長していきたいと「青葉」という名前をつけました。
注意:「青菜」ではありません。(食べないでね)

AOBA(青葉)
Firstly, let's have a little talk on the school's name.

Right now in Japan, with the end of spring, the blooming of flowers have just ended and the sprouting of new and young leaves on the trees have begun.
The newly sprouted leaves are overflowing with a sense of power.
New leaves arise from sprouts and before long, maturing into trees producing magnificently beautiful flowers.

In that same manner, we want our students and us teachers to grow and learn together. Hence, the kanji of 「青葉」. Which has the implied meaning of starting your learning experience as a small sprout, slowly and steadily gaining more experience and finally be able to stand on your own as a person who can confidently converse in Japanese.

Attention:
「青菜」 has the literal meaning of 「Fresh leaves」. But 「青菜」 is [Not for eating!]

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