#Japan #Tokyo #K-Kai #Linguistics #Yoshikazu Kobayashi

Unlocking the World of Language Decoding: K-Kai's Special Seminar

K-Kai, located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is hosting a special seminar titled "Expanding the World of Language Decoding — A Challenge to the Linguistics Olympics on November 30th. This event is targeted at middle and high school students eager to delve into the captivating field of linguistics.

A Unique Educational Experience

The seminar features Yoshikazu Kobayashi, the Director and Secretary-General of the Japanese Committee for the International Linguistics Olympiad. As he shares insights into the Olympiad's challenges, attendees can experience the joy of language analysis. Participants won't need any prior foreign language knowledge; instead, they will engage in a hands-on learning environment, exploring the intriguing rules of languages (grammar) through selected problems from the Olympiad.

During the session, Kobayashi will guide students through the thought process of untangling complex problems, organizing information, and discovering the 'eureka moment' when patterns emerge. This journey perfectly captures the thrill of linguistics, highlighting the joy in learning how diverse languages function and connect.

Experience the Fun of Linguistic Analysis

Often, language is viewed as something to be memorized and utilized, yet this seminar aims to shift that perception. By grasping the techniques of how to approach the given clues, attendees can uncover the grammar of languages they have never encountered before. With estimates suggesting there are between 6,000 and 8,000 languages globally, this experience promises to expand perspectives and deepen appreciation for linguistic diversity.

This seminar serves as a unique opportunity for middle and high school students to engage with an academic field different from their usual studies. In doing so, they can cultivate curiosity while discovering the joys of learning and knowledge.

Event Details

• - Date: November 30 (Sunday)
• - Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• - Location: K-Kai, 2-6-1 Koishikawa, Bunkyo Ward (Hongo Campus of Kawai Juku)
• - Target Audience: Middle and high school students and their parents interested in linguistics, science, and the International Science Olympiad.
• - Speaker: Yoshikazu Kobayashi (Graduate Student of Linguistics, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies / Director and Secretary-General of the Japanese Committee for the International Linguistics Olympiad / Bronze Medalist at the 14th International Linguistics Olympiad in India)
• - Cost: 1,000 yen per family (up to three members)
• - Registration: Please sign up via the K-Kai website here.

About K-Kai

K-Kai is known for its intellectually stimulating learning environment, attracting many students preparing for mathematical Olympiads and other competitive fields. Rather than solely focusing on entrance exams, K-Kai emphasizes a deeper, more complex understanding of mathematics, information science, and physics. By breaking down barriers between middle school, high school, and university education, K-Kai offers systematic learning that’s both profound and engaging.

The faculty consists mainly of graduates from the University of Tokyo and its graduate school, with many Olympiad medalists leading classes. Recently, two alumni participated in the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2023, with one winning a gold medal. Beyond regular classes, K-Kai also offers specialized courses related to Math Olympiads, showcasing the beauty and depth of academic inquiry.

To learn more about K-Kai, visit here.