Ainu Currents Post 5
New Open Source Japanese Language Resource featuring Ainu Voices
In today’s post, we would like to highlight an ongoing project brought to our attention by visiting professor and GSI Overseas Unit member Dr. Kanako Uzawa. Over the past few months, she has been collaborating on an open-source digital Japanese language learning resource focusing on the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido. This Open Educational Resource (OER) aims to reach a wide audience, offering students of the Japanese language and anyone interested in Ainu culture a multifaceted learning experience.
The textbook delves into various aspects of Ainu life, history, and contemporary realities. Introductory sections provide students with a foundational understanding of the Ainu’s historical trajectory and introduce them to the diverse traditions and contemporary expressions woven into their culture. The e-text features excerpts from Keira Tomoko’s “The Spirit of Huci,” offering Ainu perspectives directly through the experiences of a woman learning “aynupuri” ways from an elder. Videos by Sekine Maya, a young Ainu cultural ambassador, further enhance the interactive learning experience by showcasing both traditional and modern aspects of Ainu life.
Nina Langton, the primary author, brings her expertise in contemporary Japanese literature and firsthand experience living in Hokkaido to this project. Currently teaching Japanese language and culture courses at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, she is committed to promoting understanding and appreciation for the Ainu people.
Dr. Uzawa provides an introductory section in Japanese, allowing students to develop their listening comprehension skills while gaining first-hand insights into her personal experiences and research areas. This inclusion of an Ainu voice is crucial for promoting authentic representation and fostering deeper cultural understanding.
For those interested in learning more about this resource, please visit the website below: