My name is Emily Barr, and I am a junior studying linguistics and anthropology with a focus in Japanese language and culture at Wayne State University.

Thanks to the generosity of the JBSD foundation, I was able to participate in the JCMU academic year study abroad program. My stay in Japan was beyond incredible- not only did I study and learn much about the Japanese language from my instructors at JCMU, but also I learned the richness of Japanese culture from the people of Shiga. Time and time again, I was shown such deep kindness by the Japanese people that I met- they invited me into their homes and cooked for me, and as we ate together they shared stories of their families and talked proudly of their traditions and culture. I was honored to be treated as part of that culture.

As part of a final project for my Japanese language class in Japan, I carried out a research project where I examined the relationship between the Kansai dialect and local Kansai culture. In doing so, I found that I really enjoy the process of doing linguistic research. Furthermore, I was taught so much about Kansai culture and values by the people that I interviewed, and I was so thankful to them for sharing their culture with me. I came to understand that language itself is not just a tool for communication, but also a fluid and ever-evolving  exchange that carries the history and the heart of those who speak it. I decided that in returning to Detroit, I will continue my studies at Wayne State in linguistics and anthropology with a focus on Japanese culture and language. I aim to complete a masters at Wayne State, and in the future, apply to graduate school in Japan and complete a PhD program, as my dream is to work doing research and teaching regarding Japanese culture and language. My current interest relates to trends in standardization of language and methods of language preservation, primarily because of the cultural importance of language expression to people who speak dialect and local languages. Studying the Kansai dialect and living alongside people in Shiga, I strongly felt the connection between language and culture.

Upon my return to America, I’ve reflected on my experiences in Japan and what they have taught me. I was shown a deeply historic, rich culture with people characterized by their generosity, kindness, and perseverance. There were many things I experienced that were so different from how I knew life in America- and those experiences opened my eyes to a brighter, more colorful world. On the other hand, I also found that as humans, despite being on the other side of the world, we share more in common with each other than not.  The community that I found in Japan truly took care of me and taught me so much, so I feel compelled to continue my cultural and linguistic studies in order to find ways to give back to that community. I have found family in Japan, and will strive to return the favor in order to show my unending gratitude. I feel strongly that this experience was only possible for me because of the gracious support of the JBSD foundation. Because of the scholarship I received, I was able to focus on my studies and experience in Japan free of any financial burden. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you.

Emily Barr

Wayne State University