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Understanding Language through Culture: A Special Lecture

On April 18, 2026, HAO Chinese Academy, operated by AEON Corporation, will host a special lecture titled "Language and Culture" by Keiichi Uchida, the Chairman of the Japanese Chinese Language Proficiency Association. This event will explore the transformative power of language learning in an age dominated by AI translation.

As we navigate a world where AI translation is becoming commonplace, the true value of learning a foreign language shifts from merely replacing information to acquiring a deeper understanding of different cultural thought processes. Many learners encounter a frustrating paradox: despite understanding grammar, their sentences often lack natural flow, leading to expressions that fall flat in real-world communication. This disconnect is often due to the cultural nuances and 'common sense' perspectives that underpin different languages.

During the lecture, Uchida will present numerous examples illustrating how even the same objective facts can shift dramatically in perspective based on cultural differences. For instance, when offering tea in Japanese, phrases like "お茶をどうぞ" or asking "ここよろしいですか？" rely on implied verbs. However, in Chinese, the expressions are more explicit, requiring the speaker to clearly state the action: "请喝茶" or "这儿可以坐吗？".

Moreover, there are numerous instances where a single word in Japanese cannot be directly translated into Chinese without clarifying the relationship dynamics at play. For example, phrases such as "これはおばあちゃんにもらったものです" and "彼は私のおじさんです" necessitate specifying whether the relationship is maternal or paternal, and the age difference is often crucial in choosing the correct terms in Chinese.

Uchida emphasizes that memorizing vocabulary and grammar is only part of the journey in language acquisition. The remainder involves understanding the cultural and intellectual frameworks that language embodies. During the lecture, he will elucidate why such differences in expression arise, providing insights on how to transcend mere communication tools and grasp the very viewpoints of others.

The HAO Chinese Academy is dedicated to fostering not just language skills but also an appreciation for the cultures and thought processes underpinning those languages. The aim is to support continuous and profound engagement in Chinese learning.

Event Details

HAO Chinese Academy has previously invited distinguished speakers for lectures that enhance the experience of learning Chinese beyond the confines of daily lessons. The upcoming event is part of our commitment to integrating expert perspectives into language education.

By addressing common hurdles faced by learners, such as difficulties in achieving naturalness in Chinese despite correct grammar or translating directly without understanding context, we aim to reignite a passion for and deeper essence of Chinese learning in Japan.

This collaboration with the Chinese Language Proficiency Association seeks to further strengthen the connection with learners, utilizing decades of experience to support Japanese students in mastering the Chinese language.

We hope that through this lecture, participants will gain invaluable insights into the "thought processes of Chinese language learners," pushing their proficiency to new heights.

Feedback from Previous Lectures

Participants from previous lectures have shared transformative experiences regarding their approach to learning:

• - Lecture by Wu Zhigang (September 28, 2025) on the challenges of Chinese pronunciation: "This talk made me realize the importance of focusing on pronunciation for improvement."
• - Lecture by Okamoto Yuma (January 25, 2026) advocating for interpreting training: "I learned practical training techniques that I can apply immediately, and I felt the importance of repetition."
• - Lecture by Chen Shumei (February 14, 2026) on idiomatic expressions: "This wasn't just knowledge; it deepened my understanding of Chinese culture and values, leaving me inspired."

Event Overview

• - Theme: Keiichi Uchida Lecture: "Language and Culture"
• - Date: April 18, 2026, 1:30 - 3:00 PM (including Q&A)
• - Location: AEON Corporation Headquarters, Tokyo, and online via Webex
• - Capacity: Total of 100 participants (50 in-person, 50 online via live stream)
• - Target Audience: Open to anyone interested in learning Chinese or understanding Chinese culture, regardless of previous enrollment in HAO Chinese Academy.
• - Admission: Free (pre-registration required)
• - Registration Method: Current students can register at their HAO academy, while others can use a specific online form.
• - Deadline: Registrations close on April 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM or when full.

Speaker Profile

Keiichi Uchida: Chairman of the Japanese Chinese Language Proficiency Association, born in 1951 in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. He is a professor emeritus at Kansai University and has held key positions in various academic organizations. Uchida’s works include significant contributions to studies on language, culture, and communication.

About HAO Chinese Academy

Since its establishment in 2004, HAO Chinese Academy has been committed to high-quality Chinese language education and reliable service, fostering a love for the language and culture. Our flexible learning styles and diverse course offerings ensure that students at all levels can benefit from quality instruction tailored to their needs.

About AEON

Since its inception in 1973, AEON has aimed to enrich lives through language education, removing barriers to communication and empowering individuals for global engagement. Our extensive teaching methods provide comprehensive support for language learners across various ages and skills.