Catherine- Culture

Culture From a Child's View

Giving school cultural presentations ("kokurika") is one of the best parts of my job. The kids are always so full of energy, and eager to learn! At a typical "kokurika," we share some multilingual songs and games, and then guests from around the world talk a little bit about their country's culture. I have to admit, though, it is a little bit intimidating. To think that I, a small-town Minnesota girl, am responsible for representing the 300 million+ people in the United States is unfathomable! Nevertheless, it is exciting and interesting. Although I come as a presenter, I think I learn as much as the students!

One thing I am always surprised by is the cultural details that the kids are so interested in. No matter what I talk about--Halloween, breakfast foods, typical grade school life in America--they choose the funniest things to remember. Some of my favorite questions have included, "What type of video games do you have in America?", "Is everyone as tall as you?", and "What is the biggest hamburger you have ever seen?" Without fail, whenever I show a picture of my family's famous Christmas dinner of Swedish meatballs and wild rice, at least one student thinks it is a picture of Takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and nori (seaweed)! They don't seem to realize that these foods are particularly Japanese, and are shocked to learn that my family doesn't eat octopus or seaweed on a regular basis! Every week I am reminded of children's innocence and wonder as I view both American and Japanese culture through their eyes.

My new 5th grade friends at an elementary school cultural presentation.

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