[NEWS] UST-AC Launches Foreign Language Masterclass for SHS & College Students
Written by Francine Enciso
UST Angelicum College launched the Lingua foreign language program for the senior high school (SHS) and higher education students, following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG 17).
Attendees for the Nihon class were taught beginner’s Japanese every Thursday (September 30, October 7, 14, 21) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. On the other hand, the beginner’s Korean program dubbed Hangul was held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 in the afternoon every Friday from October 1, 8, 15 until October 22.
According to a Facebook post from the College, the program’s goal is to “enhance the ability of learners to engage in meaningful interaction in a linguistically and culturally diverse global workplace.” The free classes arranged by the SHS Department were all conducted through Zoom. The Nihon program had former UST-AC Computer Learning Facilitator turned GCCKids International School English teacher, Aileen B. Felix. She taught the learners of GAS 2A, STEM 2D, STEM 2B, ABM 2B, HUMSS 2B, and TVL 2 (Animation) basic Japanese.
Two separate batches of students were created for the Hangul masterclass: one headed by Marco S. Angulo and another with James R. Manrique — both Korean Language teachers at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Thomasian Angelicans from STEM 2E, ABM 2B, HUMSS 2A, TVL 2 HC, and TVL 2 (Programming) attended Mr. Angulo’s program, whereas Mr. Manrique spoke to ABM 2A, STEM 2A, and STEM 2C students.
During the four Nihon sessions, attendees learned greetings in Japanese, correct grammar when using basic Japanese words and phrases, counting numbers and days, and even the best tourist spots in Osaka. Mrs. Felix’s husband and one of her friends were also invited as surprise guest speakers for the final session. To ensure the knowledge would be enriched outside the webinar, she encouraged the participants to create a vlog introducing themselves and interview a fellow program attendee — all in Japanese.
The Hangul masterclasses taught Thomasian Angelicans more than introductory Korean language. The lessons were interactive and centered on practical application, such as conversational Korean, reading a menu of Korean food, and proper pronunciation of words, names, and numbers. Mr. Angulo and Mr. Manrique also delved deeper into Korean culture to gain further appreciation of the language.
THE AUTHOR
I am Francine Enciso, a 16 year old news writer and part of section editors. Since I was younger, I’ve always had a passion for reading all kinds of stories and aspired to have my own works be published someday. Being a member of the Tigercubs allowed my dreams to come true. I am truly thankful for this opportunity to be part of such a welcoming and helpful team of creatives!
