English Speaking Society

Transcript

I've been the faculty advisor to our university English Speaking Society (E.S.S.) since 1987. In the past E.S.S. clubs were very active, but at the end of the 20th century English Speaking Society membership declined rapidly at universities throughout Japan. Speech contests, debates, and dramatic performances in English, which were once very popular, are now only memories.

At many universities E.S.S. clubs disappeared entirely, but here at Kyoto Notre Dame University our English Speaking Society is alive and very healthy. E.S.S. members have replaced public competitions and performances with more personal, face-to-face activities. Now they help each other study English, talk about movies, music, and current events, and participate in activities with people from other countries.

I am very proud of our graduates and students, who have transformed the KNDU English Speaking Society into a warm, supportive club. I think the E.S.S. helps young people meet the challenges of communicating across cultures in the 21st century. (156 words)