An Irish Folktale in Japan / 日本でのアイルランド民話

　Authentic communication is something we really value here at the school and I enjoy making lessons that allow students of all ages and levels to do what they can to communicate what they are really thinking and feeling. In order to do so, confidence and fluency is somewhat necessary. One activity we did recently in 7th grade to help students build their confidence and fluency was a kamishibai activity. In groups, the students had to decide on a Japanese folktale to illustrate and tell in English to the class. The purpose of this was to give the students a chance to share their culture with us while practicing their English. I think stories, especially folktales, are something that are important to share and pass along. It’s also something many of us like to learn more about when we meet people from different countries.

　I know many of the main Japanese folktales but was surprised this time to hear the story of Urashima Taro. In Ireland we have a very similar story called Tír Na nŌg. Tír Na nŌg literally means Land of Youth and it has the same basic premise as Urashima Taro. The biggest difference is that Urashima Taro is set under the sea whereas Tír Na nŌg is set in the sky. It was a lot of fun to learn about this story and to be able to share in our common culture with my students.

　Since that lesson, one 7th grader came to tell me that she was curious about whether there are other versions of Urashima Taro from around the world. She hadn’t yet found any but was excited to look for them. I believe that it’s not only impossible, but also a mistake, to try to separate culture from language. Without culture a language has no meaning, and so with that belief I strive to give our students every opportunity to share their culture, learn more about their culture, and to enjoy learning about other cultures all through the medium of English.