Sharjah's Spanish, Japanese courses help make kids global citizens

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The House of Wisdom (HoW), Sharjah’s iconic cultural hub, has announced exciting new chapters of its ‘Wisdom Speaks’ language development initiative — Beginners Spanish and Intermediate Japanese — which will not only enrich participants with linguistic skills but also enthral them with the diverse culture from the respective countries.

With the Spanish courses conducted by experts from the UCAM Catholic University of Murcia’s Spanish Language Institute, and the Japanese courses designed in collaboration with the prestigious Eton Institute — the only EAQUALS accredited language school in the UAE — the ‘Wisdom Speaks’ initiative has enriched the lives of many after being launched earlier this year with a beginner’s level course in Japanese.

Taking a unique and inclusive approach to imparting language and communication skills, the initiative has been broadening the cultural and linguistic horizons of language-loving children and youth through expert-led sessions at their iconic premises. All of the ‘Wisdom Speaks’ courses are an immersive 9-week experience that combines educational tuition with cultural activities, giving attendees an enjoyable journey into discovering a new language.

To participate in the language courses, register at https://houseofwisdom.ae/happenings as limited space is available. Empowering the next generation of global citizens “Language, we believe, serves as a vital conduit for understanding, empathy, and shaping global citizens," stated Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom.

"Our Wisdom Speaks initiative is designed with the clear purpose of equipping young people with the essential tools for effective cross-cultural communication, stimulating dialogue, and facilitating understanding and exchange. Our ultimate goal is to empower successive generations to become global citizens capable of building bridges to create a harmonious world, and sharing the richness of our Arabic culture with those they encounter along their journey.”

Creating an immersive environment to learn Spanish With special participation from the Spanish Embassy in the UAE, the ‘Wisdom Speaks Spanish’ beginners course will cater individually to two groups — children aged 7 to 14 years and youth aged 15 and above. The 9-week course will be spread across weekly lessons every Saturday, starting from the 5th of August and running until 30th of September.

Participants can expect immersive language instruction and unique insights into the fourth most spoken language in the world including exclusive peeks into nations other than Spain where Spanish is the official language. The course is far more than just language learning, from vibrant Latin-inspired performances, interactive cooking lessons, art and craft workshops inspired by the likes of Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso, to learning about major Arab influences on Spain culture, the course is designed to expose participants to various aspects of the richness of Spanish heritage.

The beginner’s course will be followed by comprehensive intermediate- and advanced-level courses, enabling those in participation to take their proficiency to greater heights. Japanese intermediate starting August 6 There will be an engaging schedule ahead for the ‘Wisdom Speaks Japanese’ curriculum too, with their intermediate level course being held every Sunday starting from 6th August, and concluding on October 1st. This second instalment of the programme will also be followed by the advanced level course, ending off the three-tiered linguistic programme.

Both the intermediate and the advanced legs of the course will include a diverse range of activities, workshops and performances enriching participants in the traditional Japanese art forms such as ‘Owari Cloisonne' (bronze vase painting), calligraphy, Japanese lantern making as well as illustration and animation. Participants can expect a dynamic and interactive learning experience designed to foster their language proficiency and cultural appreciation. Recently,

The House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah concluded an educationally stimulating language programme, ‘Wisdom Speaks: Japanese,’ aimed at broadening knowledge and forging deeper connections with Japanese culture. This visionary programme, which was held over the 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. Held in collaboration with Eton Institute, the immersive programme featured cultural performances, educational workshops, and language classes that enabled a deep understanding of Japanese customs, traditions, and arts.