Keiko Yamaguchi

Courses

• Spring 2024
• Summer 2024

Personal Statement

My background

Being raised in Kyoto, the ancient capital and cultural center of Japan, I have grown up with an interest in Japanese history and literature. Since high school, I have pursued studies in the traditional Japanese arts of tea ceremony (10 years), waka poetry (12 years) and the esoteric study of incense (14 years). After majoring in classical literature of the Heian Period at Doshisha University, I was introduced to a group of American doctoral students in Kyoto who needed intensive study of Japanese culture and religion. These became my first Japanese language students, many of whom have since become professors in Japanese studies at prominent universities in the United States. The relationships I developed with these students and the exchange we shared about Japan and their own cultures turned me toward a career in teaching.

From that point I began teaching full time at a number of the prominent language schools in Kyoto. I have taught for 30 years, working with students from every continent at all levels, beginners to advanced fluency, including many intensive study groups from American and European universities.

I have lived in Seattle for over 17 years and have been teaching first and second year Japanese at NSCC since 1994.

What I have found rewarding about the study of world languages

It is rewarding for me to help students find their own voice in a new language. Mastering a foreign language is a challenge which requires persistence and dedication, but brings with it the opportunity for great personal and professional rewards not only in the understanding of another culture, but in opportunities to travel and build relationships with the people of Japan.

Japan is currently the third largest economy in the world, with a global influence in business, technology, art and culture. Whether you are into business, anime, martial arts or computer gaming or software development, a deeper knowledge of Japanese language and culture can be enriching and empowering.

What is attractive for me and for students about the program at NSCC

At NSCC, you learn directly from experienced and dedicated teachers. Classes are challenging and set high academic goals to help you transfer, graduate or otherwise pursue learning beyond NSCC.

As an instructor, I value the relationships I form with my students and providing a fun and engaging classroom environment that inspires everyone to participate and excel. 

My orientation to teaching…about my teaching style

My teaching style is to focus on using Japanese for communication, including lots of pair and group activities which encourage students to practice speaking with me and other students in the target language.

Communicating well requires a firm foundation in basic grammar and vocabulary. Over 30 years of teaching, I have developed a system to help students build knowledge and confidence with grammar and written Japanese. I try to use many different approaches in class to accommodate students with different learning styles. My goal is to help my students build their skills in the language and become successful independent learners.