Arab News Japan

The Emirates School Education Foundation has included Japanese language courses in three public schools across the United Arab Emirates in a curriculum developed in cooperation with the Japan International Co-operation Centre.

The inclusion of Japanese courses into the curriculum aims reflects the foundation’s interest in establishing greater cultural diversity amongst students through using language as a tool to promote this principle.

The Languages Project aims to enhance the multilingual and intercultural communication network within the country through introducing students to the customs and traditions of the countries that speak the languages that are being taught.This is done through identifying the cultural associations attached to the language, which are commonly present within the words and terms used.

The familiarity of students in the UAE with the Japanese language, amongst others, has enhanced cultural and cognitive exchange as well as communication skills and civil interaction between the country and the targeted communities.