MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- For many service members and their families, the language barrier they face when away from the Station can be tough to overcome.
Whether ordering a meal or asking for directions, not knowing the country's native language adequately enough can pose problems when trying to enjoy the Japanese culture.
To combat the many dilemmas that can arise from this problem, Marine Corps Community Services offers a Survival Japanese class as part of their Cultural Adaptation Program.
In this six-day course, instructor and cultural specialist Chiaki Ikeue takes her students through a wide variety of subjects in an effort to better prepare them for their life in Japan.
"From day one the class goes into phonetics and words that are used every day. In the days ahead, we work on greetings, shopping and ordering at restaurants," said Ikeue.
Besides the language, Ikeue explains to her class the differences between American and Japanese customs and cultures.
"There may be many things service members and their families are accustomed to that they don't do in Japan. This class not only helps with the language barrier, but may assist in avoiding misunderstandings among the Japanese and Americans," she said.
The class has gotten rave reviews as of late with participants gaining confidence in their ability to speak their host country's language.
"The class is great. It really taught me some necessary tools for every day occurrences in Japan," said Amanda Taylor, MCCS Personnel Employee Development assistant.
Annette Sprague, another Survival Japanese class student, added, "Chiaki makes the class so much fun to learn. With her help I think I can actually order food at restaurants now."
According to Ikeue, the class will be in the midst of a change this month.
"The class will be given every Tuesday from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. compared to the once a month schedule we had before," Ikeue stated.
Whenever the class is held Ikeue keeps the same goal in mind.
"I just want everyone to enjoy their tour in Iwakuni. The language barrier can be a serious issue for some people, and I hope this class can help with that," said Ikeue.
For more information about the Cultural Adaptation Program call Ikeue at 253-6165.