Amin Abbas

The House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah concluded its ‘Wisdom Speaks: Japanese’ programme, which aimed to broaden knowledge and foster cross-cultural understanding with Japanese culture.

Held in collaboration with Eton Institute, the immersive programme featured cultural performances, educational workshops, and language classes over a span of 10 weeks ending in April, sought to introduce children and adults to the language, arts, and traditions of Japan, and expand their cultural horizons. Participants learned the Japanese language, studied the unique writing systems of Hiragana and Katakana, and engaged in basic conversation phrases and expressions.

The programme also showcased the ancient and exquisite Japanese art of flower arrangement, known as Ikebana, Kimono traditional Japanese garment show, Taiko drumming performances, and authentic Japanese Matcha tea ceremony.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, said, “House of Wisdom’s ‘Wisdom Speaks: Japanese’ programme is a testament to our commitment to creating a hub for cultures, ideas, and interests to interact in infinite possible ways. Our goal is to expand knowledge, foster cross-cultural understanding, and provide new opportunities for innovation, creativity, education, and entertainment. Through immersive experiences like this, we can usher in a new era of learning where knowledge is not only consumed but created in the process of engagement.”

“This visionary programme is just one of several offerings of the ‘Wisdom Speaks’ initiative, which aims to broaden knowledge and forge deeper connections with diverse cultures around the world. With the ‘Wisdom Speaks: Japanese’ programme, we sought to introduce children and adults to the language, arts, and traditions of Japan and expand their cultural horizons. Through cultural performances, educational workshops, and language classes, participants gained a deep understanding of Japanese customs, traditions, and arts,” she added.

The course is planned to run once again this month, with both beginner and intermediate levels available.

The ‘Wisdom Speaks’ initiative aims to broaden knowledge and foster cross-cultural understanding with diverse cultures around the world, from language and arts to history and customs. The course is planned to run once again this month, with both beginner and intermediate levels available.

HoW plans to offer two additional programmes focused on the Spanish language and American Sign Language as part of the Wisdom Speaks initiative.