Now that I'm widening and consolidating my hold of English-dom out into the far reaches of west Houston, I'm more privy to the opportunities out there, like these "Parent Centers" out of Katy ISD:
Free English classes for Katy, TX schools
Or this list of other classes:
More Free English classes for Katy and Houston area
Actually, most of these are free; some charge a basic fee. My recommendation is try some different classes and also pay a little for my own awesome lessons - individually or with friends at your home or local Starbucks, etc. One of the reasons I say that is because volunteer teachers can be great, but their time and focus for the class can be limited. Trained tutors on the other hand can be very expensive. That's why I suggest doing both free ESL classes in addition to my (very cheap) lessons. :)
Of course, if you look to the right of this page, under Useful Links is my old ESL list that needs updating
Also, don't forget there's my other post on free Harris County classes listing
For a quick look at what's listed in the above links with some additional notes:
Crosspoint Community Church
281-398-6464
700 South Westgreen Boulevard
Katy, Texas 77450
www.crosspt.org
missylea@comcast.net
Classes are held each Thursday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Note that the church website is slightly different:
ESL Classes | Beginning January 2012| Offered Monday through Thursday | 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Free ESL classes for non-English speaking adults featuring two components: instruction in conversational English and information about issues affecting day-to-day living in the Katy community. All classes will be held at the Westgreen Campus. Child care is available on Thursday evening only at a daily cost of $3/child | $5/family or a monthly cost of $10/child | $15/family.
Also note that I've heard this will be at their Eight Ten campus (1106 Witte Rd), so please check to confirm details.
Harris County Department of Education (HCDE)
713-692-6216 Contact HCDE for details and locations throughout Houston. In Katy:
Mayde Creek High School Bear Creek United Methodist Church
19202 Groschke Road 16000 Rippling Water Drive
Houston, TX 77084 Houston, Texas 77084
Harris County Maude Marks Public Library
281-492-8592* (this is the correct number, the other referral list is wrong)
1815 Westgreen
Katy, Texas 77450
http://www.hcpl.net/location/maud-smith-marks-branch-library
Each student is placed in a group to fit the individual’s needs. Classes are free.
Hispanic Counseling Center
281-679-9937
14780 Memorial Drive, Suite 206
Houston, Texas 77079
Class level assessed at time of registration; $25 per class.
Houston Community College (HCC), Westgate Center
713-718-5400
1550 Foxlake Drive
Houston, Texas 77084
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/future-students/english-as-a-second-language-esl/adult-education-program-abe/ged/esl-eligibility-criteria
Houston READ Commission: Administrative Office
713-228-1801
5400 Griggs Road
Houston, Texas 77021
http://www.houread.org/AllPrograms.aspx
Literacy Advance of Houston
2424 Wilcrest, Suite 120
Houston, TX 77042
(713) 266-8777
http://www.literacyadvancehouston.org/about_lah/index.asp
Offers four free programs: English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), Family Literacy, and While You're Waiting Classes. Must attend a two hour Student Orientation where they will be assessed. Greater Houston area. Sessions held during the day and most evenings Mon-Sat. Classes are scheduled for two-hour meetings twice a week for 12 week sessions
Lone Star College – Cy Fair
281-290-3210
9191 Barker Cypress
Cypress, Texas 77433
http://www.lonestar.edu/library/15209.htm
All classes are held in the Library -Room 102 next to the Cyber Café in the Lone Star College-CyFair Branch- Library.
Second Baptist Church, Williams House
713-465-3408
19449 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77094
http://www.second.org/West/ServeAndGive/Missions/Local.aspx
Registration fee is $35. Classes are every Thursday morning, September through May. Basic to advanced English classes with 4 levels of conversational English. Volunteer teachers.
Parent Centers:
Hayes Elementary Parent Center
281-237-3200
21203 Park Timbers, Katy, TX 77450
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Parents of children enrolled at:
Alexander, Creech, Exley, Hayes, Memorial Parkway, Williams Elementaries
Beck, McMeans, Memorial Parkway JH
Hutsell Elementary Parent Center
281-237-9937
5360 Franz Road, Katy, TX 77493
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Parents of children enrolled at:
Griffin, Holland, Hutsell, Katy, Kilpatrick, Rylander, Stanley, WoodCreek Elementaries
Katy, WoodCreek JH or Katy, Seven Lakes HS
King Elementary Parent Center
281-237-6893
1901 Charlton House Lane, Katy, TX 77494
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Parents of children enrolled at:
Cimarron, Fielder, Golbow, King, West Memorial, Winborn Elementaries
Beckendorff, Cinco Ranch, McDonald, West Memorial JH or Cinco Ranch HS
Mayde Creek Elementary Parent Center
281-237-3973
2698 Greenhouse Road, Houston, TX 77084
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Parents of children enrolled at:
Bear Creek, Mayde Creek, McRoberts, Rhoads, Schmalz, Wolfe Elementaries
Cardiff, Mayde Creek JH or Mayde Creek HS
Sundown Elementary Parent Center
281-237-5797
20100 Saums Road, Katy, TX 77449
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Parents of children enrolled at:
Franz, Morton Ranch, Nottingham Country, Pattison, Stephens, Sundown Elementaries
Morton Ranch JH or Morton Ranch, Taylor HS
Evening Program
Morton Ranch High School 9th Grade Center
(ELL District Testing Center)
21000 Franz Rd., Katy, TX 77449
Tuesday/Thursday 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Open to all Katy ISD campuses.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
International Student Thanksgiving Dinner
I know I shared this on Facebook, but for those of you at large in the Houston area who are wanting to participate in an American Thanksgiving at a friend's house (with a bunch of international students from the University of Houston), contact me and I can tell you the location and we can go together! It's a huge house.
You don't have to be a student - after all, I'm not a student. But I do get hungry. Especially for sweet potatoes with marshmallows. (*For any Japanese new to Houston who might be shy in coming, my friend Shintaro and his wife will be around to help you out).
International Student Thanksgiving Dinner
"Let's Give Thanks"
Join us as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends, listen to "The First Thanksgiving" story and enjoy dinner together. As we love sharing, please bring your favorite dish for Potluck Dinner.
Join us as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends, listen to "The First Thanksgiving" story and enjoy dinner together. As we love sharing, please bring your favorite dish for Potluck Dinner.
When: Wednesday, November 23, 2011
7:00 pm until 10:00 pm
7:00 pm until 10:00 pm
Family Fall Festival
So I meant to post this much earlier, but I guess I got carried away with my expanding empire of ESL lessons.
Anyway, I had a good time at this Fall Festival my church put on over at Schweppe Park by UT housing. And, of course, I welcome any excuse to get dressed up in a costume.
We had six Japanese families come, one of which was my first time meeting. There were also about six billion Chinese families there. I liked getting to hang out with them too.
Check out Pastor Ben's blog for the full scoop:
Family Fall Festival 2011
Hope you can come next year! (& apologies for now advertising it on here earlier)
Anyway, I had a good time at this Fall Festival my church put on over at Schweppe Park by UT housing. And, of course, I welcome any excuse to get dressed up in a costume.
We had six Japanese families come, one of which was my first time meeting. There were also about six billion Chinese families there. I liked getting to hang out with them too.
Check out Pastor Ben's blog for the full scoop:
Family Fall Festival 2011
Hope you can come next year! (& apologies for now advertising it on here earlier)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
English Conversation Groups - Greater Houston Area
So this is pretty cool. We'll be... okay, I'll be expanding out my little niche of the ESL market into the greater Houston area. Before it was just freebie stuff in the TMC, but there's such a need out in Westchase, Sugar Land, and Clear Lake, that I just gotta go and start charging those folks to have the chance to speak with me.
Is it tacky to list rates? Anyway, I think for now I'll settle on $15/hr, private or group - which is about as cheap as humanly possible. (Earlier, I think sometimes I might have been misunderstood and "fifteen" sounded to other people like "fifty", so hopefully this will help to clear up any confusion).
Call now - operators are standing by...
Is it tacky to list rates? Anyway, I think for now I'll settle on $15/hr, private or group - which is about as cheap as humanly possible. (Earlier, I think sometimes I might have been misunderstood and "fifteen" sounded to other people like "fifty", so hopefully this will help to clear up any confusion).
Call now - operators are standing by...
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Curriculum-based and Conversational English Classes in the Medical Center
For all of you doctors and researchers out there...
Just to help spread the word about these classes in the TMC, here's a quick link to Dr. Mark Picus' contact information. He also offers periodic workshops. Priority goes to M.D. Anderson employees and UT students ("available to all faculty, research and clinical personnel, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars who are non-native speakers of English"), but I think possibly others are welcome too if there's room. Anyway, I know the conversation class on Fridays is usually more open to all, friends and spouses, etc. Give Mark a call or e-mail about it; he's a nice guy.
I also hope to offer some opportunities myself over there shortly. But I don't have a "Dr." before my name or even a mustache, so check him out:
English classes in the Med Center
Short Courses in Scientific English
Courses last 7 weeks and meet twice a week for 1 or 1.5 hours each day. Classes are held in the morning, during the lunch hour, or late in the afternoon. All classes are free of charge. Participants must speak English at the intermediate or higher level and be familiar with research and general biomedical terminology.
Courses:
Pronunciation 1: The Sounds and Syllables of American English
Pronunciation 2: Rhythm, Stress, and Intonation in American English
Speaking 1: Making Successful Presentations
Speaking 2: Workplace Conversations
Writing 1: Writing Coherent Paragraphs
Writing 2: Making Your Sentences Flow
Writing 3: Editing Your Own Writing
2011 Course Schedule (dates subject to change):
Session 5: October 3-November 17
Registration dates: August 24-September 13
Fall Conversation Course:
Starting on Friday, October 7, an informal course for non-native speakers of English will be offered every Friday during lunch (12:00-1:00) in the Scientific Publications Department in Pickens Tower (FCT5000H). No registration is necessary, but space will be limited. Feel free to bring your lunch, and come and practice speaking in a relaxed environment.
For more information, please contact Dr. Picus at 713-792-7251 or mapicus@mdanderson.org
Just to help spread the word about these classes in the TMC, here's a quick link to Dr. Mark Picus' contact information. He also offers periodic workshops. Priority goes to M.D. Anderson employees and UT students ("available to all faculty, research and clinical personnel, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars who are non-native speakers of English"), but I think possibly others are welcome too if there's room. Anyway, I know the conversation class on Fridays is usually more open to all, friends and spouses, etc. Give Mark a call or e-mail about it; he's a nice guy.
I also hope to offer some opportunities myself over there shortly. But I don't have a "Dr." before my name or even a mustache, so check him out:
English classes in the Med Center
Short Courses in Scientific English
Courses last 7 weeks and meet twice a week for 1 or 1.5 hours each day. Classes are held in the morning, during the lunch hour, or late in the afternoon. All classes are free of charge. Participants must speak English at the intermediate or higher level and be familiar with research and general biomedical terminology.
Courses:
Pronunciation 1: The Sounds and Syllables of American English
Pronunciation 2: Rhythm, Stress, and Intonation in American English
Speaking 1: Making Successful Presentations
Speaking 2: Workplace Conversations
Writing 1: Writing Coherent Paragraphs
Writing 2: Making Your Sentences Flow
Writing 3: Editing Your Own Writing
2011 Course Schedule (dates subject to change):
Session 5: October 3-November 17
Registration dates: August 24-September 13
Fall Conversation Course:
Starting on Friday, October 7, an informal course for non-native speakers of English will be offered every Friday during lunch (12:00-1:00) in the Scientific Publications Department in Pickens Tower (FCT5000H). No registration is necessary, but space will be limited. Feel free to bring your lunch, and come and practice speaking in a relaxed environment.
For more information, please contact Dr. Picus at 713-792-7251 or mapicus@mdanderson.org
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Full transcript of interview with Stan
The following is the full transcript of my previously promised October 3, 2011 phone interview with Stan Sakai for The Southern Journal (see previous entry). If I sound like a goofball at times, well, this isn’t my usual line of work. A question mark or ellipsis indicates a word that was a little unclear to me over the phone line. If it seems a bit short, it's because I was figuring on a limited amount of space for the article.
DM: You recently were honored with the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum. By the way, congratulations on that – it’s certainly well deserved. How do you see your role as a cultural ambassador, for actually the past 27 years?
Stan: You know, I’m just a cartoonist. I do the Usagi stories because mainly that’s what I do. That’s my job. And I like to write stories with some kind of cultural or historical background because I think that good research only enhances a story and lack of research kills even the best stories. And that’s why I do a lot of the research on my stories.
And I’m just gratified that Usagi is published in like twelve or thirteen languages, and it’s just incredible for me to even think about that.
DM: It’s great fun to get a sneak peak into all the tidbits on Japanese culture, particularly how you tied in the tea ceremony with Usagi’s relationship to Tomoe. What other traditional Japanese crafts did you have in mind to cover?
Stan: Right now I’m doing a story about shoyu-making, how they made soy sauce back in feudal Japan. Recently I did a story about Taiko drums. In the past, seaweed-farming, pottery-making, various festivals, and sword-making. And not every story has aspects of Japanese culture, but a lot of them do.
DM: What has it been like researching Japanese culture and history? How much research have you done up close and firsthand versus by book reference?
Stan: Both. Most of them are by book. For the tea ceremony I was privileged enough to participate in a couple tea ceremonies, but I also have about three books on chado, the Japanese tea ceremony. And much of it is research. However, in one of the tea ceremonies I participated in, I was second guest and the hosts were very accommodating and they allowed me to ask any questions I wanted and they explained everything in detail that was going on and I was very happy to experience that.
DM: Would you say that was one of your favorite crafts to learn about?
Stan: That, yeah, and Taiko drums. Because I personally enjoy watching Taiko drummers. And again, I was able to play a little Taiko from a teacher when I was in Seattle. And I picked up the sticks with my thumbs on top, curled around it, and they said, ‘No, you don’t hold it like that. You’ll break your fingers.’ You know, just little things like that.
DM: Do you have an intended audience in mind when you’re writing?
Stan: Yes, a very specific audience. I have an audience of one. I write and draw the stories that I would like to read. And it’s just gratifying to know that so many other people share the same take(?) that I do.
DM: Maybe many Japanese are not very aware of the kinds of traditions you cover. Have you had much feedback from Japanese readers on those aspects or on Usagi as a more American-style take on Japanese stories?
Stan: I hear more from Westerners saying that, ‘Because of your stories we’ve gotten interested in Japanese culture.’ Or a father says his kids have discovered Japanese culture and at first they might just have been interested in manga and anime. But it’s expanded their horizon into Japanese pop art or history.
DM: It’s not currently published in Japanese. Is there a specific reason for that or are there plans for it to be published in the future in Japanese?
Stan: There has never been a Western comic book that has made any type of significant dent in the Japanese manga market. They did have Spider-Man and Fantastic Four or X-Men, but these were stories were written and drawn especially for the Japanese market, and I don’t think they’re around anymore. Even the European books like Tintin, there’s never been any type of major impact on the manga market. I actually went to Japan for a cartoonist seminar. This was way back in the late 90s, and I was frankly surprised that they knew who I was. At that time and at this time too the Japanese manga market was slipping […] and they wanted Westerners take on the comic book market.
DM: Usagi himself certainly resonates with a lot of people, myself included. He’s brave and just, but also seems more down-to-earth than many comic book figures. What’s your take on his enduring popularity?
Stan: I have a solid core readership, especially with word-of-mouth spreads it around. I like to think it’s because of the quality of the story and the art. My wife says it might be the art that draws people into picking up the book, but it’s the stories that keep them coming back issue after issue.
DM: Actually one of my favorite short stories is “Contraband.” Actually, as a sobering historical tale, I found it to be a little bit different from most of Usagi’s adventures that take place in a sort of Buddhist or folk mythology, quasi-historical universe. How did the idea come to do that story?
Stan: Just reading about history, such as the Jesuits priests were welcome at one time and then the Tokugawa Shogunate had pretty much clamped down(?) on any type of foreign influences and any kind of contact with foreigners or foreign objects were considered contraband and punishable by death. And here we have a group of secret Christians and there were these secret Christians throughout Japan, and, I think, in the Shimabara Rebellion, in which the Christians were trapped within the castle and were pretty much all wiped out. Again it’s based upon history.
DM: Do you have any plans to do future stories with Usagi meeting Westerners? Perhaps he might be something of a cultural ambassador to them?
Stan: I do, but first of all I’m working on a story where he meets a Chinese herbalist. The foreigners at that time were relegated to certain areas such as Nagasaki so for regular Japanese citizens it was very rare for any of them to meet a foreigner at all. But I’ll have Usagi meeting a couple of foreigners, you know, Europeans. It’d be neat to contrast the differences between Europe and Japan at that time. It won’t be for a while yet.
DM: Have you been influenced much from fan feedback?
Stan: I don’t pay attention to fan feedback as far as ‘We like this character’ or ‘You should do more with him’, because I have Usagi’s stories pretty much planned out and I know where he’s going. I’ve changed a few times. And once in a while I’ll say I need some help with this story, some research, such as in one story, Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine, where I needed reference on what the shrine looks like and someone had said, ‘I went to the shrine just a couple of months ago and I have all of these photographs I can send to you.’ And I was able to use that. The fans have helped as far as research goes, but as far as stories go, I’m pretty much on my own. Even my editors at Dark Horse have no input as far as the story content.
DM: It’s really good that you have that kind of freedom to take control of your creation and not be subject to too much outside influence.
Stan: I’m really blessed because in the comic book industry it’s rare for someone who is not self-publishing to have that kind of control where I’m free to do whatever I want to, and the first time my editor, Diana Schultz, sees the story is when I send in the finished artwork.
DM: We’re looking forward to many more years of seeing Usagi’s adventures.
Stan: Thank you.
DM: You recently were honored with the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum. By the way, congratulations on that – it’s certainly well deserved. How do you see your role as a cultural ambassador, for actually the past 27 years?Stan: You know, I’m just a cartoonist. I do the Usagi stories because mainly that’s what I do. That’s my job. And I like to write stories with some kind of cultural or historical background because I think that good research only enhances a story and lack of research kills even the best stories. And that’s why I do a lot of the research on my stories.
And I’m just gratified that Usagi is published in like twelve or thirteen languages, and it’s just incredible for me to even think about that.
DM: It’s great fun to get a sneak peak into all the tidbits on Japanese culture, particularly how you tied in the tea ceremony with Usagi’s relationship to Tomoe. What other traditional Japanese crafts did you have in mind to cover?
Stan: Right now I’m doing a story about shoyu-making, how they made soy sauce back in feudal Japan. Recently I did a story about Taiko drums. In the past, seaweed-farming, pottery-making, various festivals, and sword-making. And not every story has aspects of Japanese culture, but a lot of them do.
DM: What has it been like researching Japanese culture and history? How much research have you done up close and firsthand versus by book reference?
Stan: Both. Most of them are by book. For the tea ceremony I was privileged enough to participate in a couple tea ceremonies, but I also have about three books on chado, the Japanese tea ceremony. And much of it is research. However, in one of the tea ceremonies I participated in, I was second guest and the hosts were very accommodating and they allowed me to ask any questions I wanted and they explained everything in detail that was going on and I was very happy to experience that.
DM: Would you say that was one of your favorite crafts to learn about?
Stan: That, yeah, and Taiko drums. Because I personally enjoy watching Taiko drummers. And again, I was able to play a little Taiko from a teacher when I was in Seattle. And I picked up the sticks with my thumbs on top, curled around it, and they said, ‘No, you don’t hold it like that. You’ll break your fingers.’ You know, just little things like that.
DM: Do you have an intended audience in mind when you’re writing?
Stan: Yes, a very specific audience. I have an audience of one. I write and draw the stories that I would like to read. And it’s just gratifying to know that so many other people share the same take(?) that I do.
DM: Maybe many Japanese are not very aware of the kinds of traditions you cover. Have you had much feedback from Japanese readers on those aspects or on Usagi as a more American-style take on Japanese stories?
Stan: I hear more from Westerners saying that, ‘Because of your stories we’ve gotten interested in Japanese culture.’ Or a father says his kids have discovered Japanese culture and at first they might just have been interested in manga and anime. But it’s expanded their horizon into Japanese pop art or history.
DM: It’s not currently published in Japanese. Is there a specific reason for that or are there plans for it to be published in the future in Japanese?
Stan: There has never been a Western comic book that has made any type of significant dent in the Japanese manga market. They did have Spider-Man and Fantastic Four or X-Men, but these were stories were written and drawn especially for the Japanese market, and I don’t think they’re around anymore. Even the European books like Tintin, there’s never been any type of major impact on the manga market. I actually went to Japan for a cartoonist seminar. This was way back in the late 90s, and I was frankly surprised that they knew who I was. At that time and at this time too the Japanese manga market was slipping […] and they wanted Westerners take on the comic book market.
DM: Usagi himself certainly resonates with a lot of people, myself included. He’s brave and just, but also seems more down-to-earth than many comic book figures. What’s your take on his enduring popularity?
Stan: I have a solid core readership, especially with word-of-mouth spreads it around. I like to think it’s because of the quality of the story and the art. My wife says it might be the art that draws people into picking up the book, but it’s the stories that keep them coming back issue after issue.
DM: Actually one of my favorite short stories is “Contraband.” Actually, as a sobering historical tale, I found it to be a little bit different from most of Usagi’s adventures that take place in a sort of Buddhist or folk mythology, quasi-historical universe. How did the idea come to do that story?
Stan: Just reading about history, such as the Jesuits priests were welcome at one time and then the Tokugawa Shogunate had pretty much clamped down(?) on any type of foreign influences and any kind of contact with foreigners or foreign objects were considered contraband and punishable by death. And here we have a group of secret Christians and there were these secret Christians throughout Japan, and, I think, in the Shimabara Rebellion, in which the Christians were trapped within the castle and were pretty much all wiped out. Again it’s based upon history.
DM: Do you have any plans to do future stories with Usagi meeting Westerners? Perhaps he might be something of a cultural ambassador to them?
Stan: I do, but first of all I’m working on a story where he meets a Chinese herbalist. The foreigners at that time were relegated to certain areas such as Nagasaki so for regular Japanese citizens it was very rare for any of them to meet a foreigner at all. But I’ll have Usagi meeting a couple of foreigners, you know, Europeans. It’d be neat to contrast the differences between Europe and Japan at that time. It won’t be for a while yet.
DM: Have you been influenced much from fan feedback?
Stan: I don’t pay attention to fan feedback as far as ‘We like this character’ or ‘You should do more with him’, because I have Usagi’s stories pretty much planned out and I know where he’s going. I’ve changed a few times. And once in a while I’ll say I need some help with this story, some research, such as in one story, Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine, where I needed reference on what the shrine looks like and someone had said, ‘I went to the shrine just a couple of months ago and I have all of these photographs I can send to you.’ And I was able to use that. The fans have helped as far as research goes, but as far as stories go, I’m pretty much on my own. Even my editors at Dark Horse have no input as far as the story content.
DM: It’s really good that you have that kind of freedom to take control of your creation and not be subject to too much outside influence.
Stan: I’m really blessed because in the comic book industry it’s rare for someone who is not self-publishing to have that kind of control where I’m free to do whatever I want to, and the first time my editor, Diana Schultz, sees the story is when I send in the finished artwork.
DM: We’re looking forward to many more years of seeing Usagi’s adventures.
Stan: Thank you.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Interview with Stan Sakai on the Saga of Usagi Yojimbo
So the new SJ issue is out today with a Stan Sakai interview/article. It was rather a freak incident actually that I got to talk to him, and as a big fan it was a real honor. I was careful though not to geek out too much.
Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me the editor-who-shall-remain-nameless changed my title and added some captions that labeled him a manga artist, which, of course, he's not, but I gather that seems to be a common mistake. Any other errors are all mine.
By the way, it's common knowledge that Stan is one of the nicest guys in the comics business and that was certainly true of our phone interview. Due to space we didn't get to use all of the interview, but maybe I'll post up the whole unedited transcript on this blog. You know, for posterity and all that.
If you're wondering what this has to do with Sitz im Leben of Japanese living in Houston, not only is it loaded with cultural goodies to share with others, but it makes for an easy and fun way to learn English - for kids and adults alike.
The Southern Journal - October issue
Update: since as of 6/12 I hear SJ might not always be up at its Issuu site, I'm going to go ahead and post it here as well:
Stan Sakai on the Saga of Usagi Yojimbo
If you’re like me, a product of 80s pop culture, you probably have childhood memories of watching the honor-bound samurai Usagi Yojimbo guest-starring in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons, and, incidentally, beating them all.
Usagi Yojimbo (兎 用 心 棒 - literally, “Rabbit Bodyguard”) is the formidable creation of Japanese-American cartoonist Stan Sakai. Over a 27-year span, Sakai’s wayfaring rōnin rabbit who rights wrongs in Edo-era Japan has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including three Eisner Awards, the highest prize in American comics. Most recently, Sakai was honored with the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
In an interview on October 3rd, every bit as modest and down-to-earth as his furry warrior companion, Stan was kind enough to share with me his thoughts on Miyamoto Usagi’s enduring popularity and on bearing such a respected role. “You know, I’m just a cartoonist. I do the Usagi stories because mainly that’s what I do; that’s my job. And I like to write stories with some kind of cultural or historical background because I think that good research only enhances a story and lack of research kills even the best stories.”
Usagi draws on a long tradition too. Some of the first narrative scrolls in Japanese history, the light-hearted Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga, depicted ‘funny animal’ comics around the 12th century.
Almost all of Stan’s books are in black-and-white, and for good reason. There’s something of a cinematic, Kurosawa-esque scope to the angles and pacing of scenes, and the crisp, almost understated line-work. He encompasses the boiling pot of human drives, reminiscent of chambara and Zatoichi films, dealing with the life of the street hucksters, pickpockets, and avaricious gangs, balancing the knife’s edge with sudden, wrenching pathos. And through it all we find our lovable, long-eared wanderer, ever ready with a jaunty smile beneath his kasa.
Despite the feudal subject matter and musha shugyō genre (similar to our knight-errantry), the storytelling style is still Western. The research involved in tying together Usagi’s adventures with traditional Japanese arts and crafts makes for an added bonus. Far from coming across as pedantic or bogging down the reader, all the detailed research and cultural appreciation interplays beautifully with the atmosphere: a story of emotional restraint between two people with chadō (tea ceremony), a thunderous tale of dire urgency counterpoised with Taiko drumming.
“I personally enjoy watching Taiko drummers,” Stan commented on the firsthand side of his studies. “I was able to play a little Taiko from a teacher when I was in Seattle. I picked up the sticks with my thumbs on top, curled around it, and they said, ‘No, you don’t hold it like that. You’ll break your fingers.’ You know, just little things like that.”
“Right now I’m doing a story about shōyu-making, how they made soy sauce back in feudal Japan. In the past, seaweed-farming, pottery-making, various festivals, sword-making. I was privileged enough to participate in a couple tea ceremonies. I was second guest and the hosts were very accommodating and they allowed me to ask any questions I wanted and they explained everything in detail that was going on and I was very happy to experience that.”
All of which practically ought to qualify him to be designated a Living National Treasure of Japan, right? (Unfortunately, he’s not a Japanese citizen). Yet ironically, Sakai is not well known in Japan, dominated as it is by the monolithic manga empire. “There has never been a Western comic book that has made any type of significant dent in the Japanese manga market,” he pointed out. “I’m just gratified that Usagi is published in like twelve or thirteen languages, and it’s incredible for me to even think about that.”
“I hear more from Westerners, saying that, ‘Because of your stories we’ve gotten interested in Japanese culture,’” he added. “Or a father says his kids have discovered Japanese culture and at first they might just have been interested in manga and anime. But it’s expanded their horizon into Japanese pop art or history.”
With Usagi being a cultural ambassador of sorts in his own right, Stan revealed a glimpse of what is to come down the road with the prospect of his contact with foreigners. “I’m working on a story where he meets a Chinese herbalist. The foreigners at that time were relegated to certain areas such as Nagasaki, so for regular Japanese citizens it was very rare for any of them to meet a foreigner at all. But I’ll have Usagi meeting a couple of foreigners, you know, Europeans. It’d be neat to contrast the differences between Europe and Japan at that time.”
Indeed. So far, Usagi’s stoic, Bushido determination had handled anything and everything from mystery to humor to horror to slice-of-life vignettes. There’s even a spin-off series called Space Usagi – and we all know rocketships + dinosaurs = the universal formula for awesomeness.
Whatever part of Japanese culture happens to be your cup of tea, it’s a journey you don’t want to miss.
Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me the editor-who-shall-remain-nameless changed my title and added some captions that labeled him a manga artist, which, of course, he's not, but I gather that seems to be a common mistake. Any other errors are all mine.
By the way, it's common knowledge that Stan is one of the nicest guys in the comics business and that was certainly true of our phone interview. Due to space we didn't get to use all of the interview, but maybe I'll post up the whole unedited transcript on this blog. You know, for posterity and all that.
If you're wondering what this has to do with Sitz im Leben of Japanese living in Houston, not only is it loaded with cultural goodies to share with others, but it makes for an easy and fun way to learn English - for kids and adults alike.
The Southern Journal - October issue
 |
| Behind you, Usagi! あぶない！ |
Update: since as of 6/12 I hear SJ might not always be up at its Issuu site, I'm going to go ahead and post it here as well:
Stan Sakai on the Saga of Usagi Yojimbo
If you’re like me, a product of 80s pop culture, you probably have childhood memories of watching the honor-bound samurai Usagi Yojimbo guest-starring in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons, and, incidentally, beating them all.
Usagi Yojimbo (兎 用 心 棒 - literally, “Rabbit Bodyguard”) is the formidable creation of Japanese-American cartoonist Stan Sakai. Over a 27-year span, Sakai’s wayfaring rōnin rabbit who rights wrongs in Edo-era Japan has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including three Eisner Awards, the highest prize in American comics. Most recently, Sakai was honored with the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
In an interview on October 3rd, every bit as modest and down-to-earth as his furry warrior companion, Stan was kind enough to share with me his thoughts on Miyamoto Usagi’s enduring popularity and on bearing such a respected role. “You know, I’m just a cartoonist. I do the Usagi stories because mainly that’s what I do; that’s my job. And I like to write stories with some kind of cultural or historical background because I think that good research only enhances a story and lack of research kills even the best stories.”
 |
| Lack of research strikes when you least expect it. |
Almost all of Stan’s books are in black-and-white, and for good reason. There’s something of a cinematic, Kurosawa-esque scope to the angles and pacing of scenes, and the crisp, almost understated line-work. He encompasses the boiling pot of human drives, reminiscent of chambara and Zatoichi films, dealing with the life of the street hucksters, pickpockets, and avaricious gangs, balancing the knife’s edge with sudden, wrenching pathos. And through it all we find our lovable, long-eared wanderer, ever ready with a jaunty smile beneath his kasa.
Despite the feudal subject matter and musha shugyō genre (similar to our knight-errantry), the storytelling style is still Western. The research involved in tying together Usagi’s adventures with traditional Japanese arts and crafts makes for an added bonus. Far from coming across as pedantic or bogging down the reader, all the detailed research and cultural appreciation interplays beautifully with the atmosphere: a story of emotional restraint between two people with chadō (tea ceremony), a thunderous tale of dire urgency counterpoised with Taiko drumming.
“I personally enjoy watching Taiko drummers,” Stan commented on the firsthand side of his studies. “I was able to play a little Taiko from a teacher when I was in Seattle. I picked up the sticks with my thumbs on top, curled around it, and they said, ‘No, you don’t hold it like that. You’ll break your fingers.’ You know, just little things like that.”
“Right now I’m doing a story about shōyu-making, how they made soy sauce back in feudal Japan. In the past, seaweed-farming, pottery-making, various festivals, sword-making. I was privileged enough to participate in a couple tea ceremonies. I was second guest and the hosts were very accommodating and they allowed me to ask any questions I wanted and they explained everything in detail that was going on and I was very happy to experience that.”
All of which practically ought to qualify him to be designated a Living National Treasure of Japan, right? (Unfortunately, he’s not a Japanese citizen). Yet ironically, Sakai is not well known in Japan, dominated as it is by the monolithic manga empire. “There has never been a Western comic book that has made any type of significant dent in the Japanese manga market,” he pointed out. “I’m just gratified that Usagi is published in like twelve or thirteen languages, and it’s incredible for me to even think about that.”
“I hear more from Westerners, saying that, ‘Because of your stories we’ve gotten interested in Japanese culture,’” he added. “Or a father says his kids have discovered Japanese culture and at first they might just have been interested in manga and anime. But it’s expanded their horizon into Japanese pop art or history.”
With Usagi being a cultural ambassador of sorts in his own right, Stan revealed a glimpse of what is to come down the road with the prospect of his contact with foreigners. “I’m working on a story where he meets a Chinese herbalist. The foreigners at that time were relegated to certain areas such as Nagasaki, so for regular Japanese citizens it was very rare for any of them to meet a foreigner at all. But I’ll have Usagi meeting a couple of foreigners, you know, Europeans. It’d be neat to contrast the differences between Europe and Japan at that time.”
Indeed. So far, Usagi’s stoic, Bushido determination had handled anything and everything from mystery to humor to horror to slice-of-life vignettes. There’s even a spin-off series called Space Usagi – and we all know rocketships + dinosaurs = the universal formula for awesomeness.
Whatever part of Japanese culture happens to be your cup of tea, it’s a journey you don’t want to miss.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Tricky Turns of Conversation Exchanges
It's a risk, but, hey, there's little commitment. And you're both a little desperate.
Whether online or up close and face-to-face, 'conversation exchanges' are a lot like going into a blind date. You can e-mail a bit before hand, but when it comes down to it that first real life conversation is almost always awkward as all get out. (Am I talking too much? Should I just nod and pretend like I know what she's saying? "You like music? Me too!") Needless to say, not the best scenario to loosen you up for language practice.
Of course, it's often true that you get what you pay for. And for cheapskates like me, that usually means the free exchange is destined to be a short-lived one.
I've tried conversation exchanges a few times and experienced what you might expect: 1) The other person had little to no training or skills in language teaching and basically ended up confusing me more than anything else, and 2) it was simply too unstructured for a beginner like me to be able to participate on an enjoyable level. One minute he or she would talk to me on a baby level and the next thing rattle on as if I were an old childhood chum. Oh, and I also tend to notice that 3) she usually isn't as pretty as I pictured in my mind.
But hey, who says all translating trysts have to crash and burn so miserably as that? Here's a few pointers that I think can help salvage your linguistical one-night stand.
First of all, exchange photos. Take the 'blind' out of 'blind date.' Reading is hard work; go ahead and judge a book by its cover. For a girl, this might be a little more risky and lure in some unsavory freaks and geeks types, but as a guy I would like to know a little more information about my potential student/tutor. And you know who to look for at Starbucks. Of course, if you're only going to meet through Skype this is a non-issue.
Once you've got an idea of the person from their photo, lay down some simple ground rules so you know each other's expectations. Go over your preferred learning styles. Some people prefer to be gently corrected (not interrupted) on the spot and others would like to finish through with their comments until coming to a convenient pause for any corrections.
Incorporate a real-life activity into your time. This could be role-playing or actually going to a restaurant, let's say a reasonably-priced sushi bar, and ordering in the target language. Focus on functional phrases or colloquialisms ("Sheesh, 'do you mind' saving some of that saké for me?" "Well, 'as a matter of fact'..."). Whatever activity you end up doing provides plenty of relatable topics for conversation so the table talk time together feels less like an interview or examination - or interrogation. Try out each other's hobbies and you'll be learning various vocabulary as you go.
The idea is to avoid straight-up academic exercises (like giving book reports) which can easily become forced and boring without one or both parties being a naturally-gifted teacher to guide things. This isn't to say that you can't or shouldn't do pronunciation drills or controlled speaking practice, but just be sure it's done with a good dose of levity.
Since you're not paying for lessons and don't have to worry about being intimidated by the other person's status as a professional, be frank and honest. If the exchange is not working out for you, say so and try the next available partner (Ooh! Me! Me, please! Over here!). But try not to burn any bridges. Half of this crazy conversation exchange whirligig is just practicing being a good friend. Though having a few breath mints on hand never hurt anybody either.
Unless you're this guy (not me!). In which case all bets are off.
It's a basic, straight-up way to find people. I've used it once or twice. Luck of the draw.
http://www.livemocha.com
Offers the benefits of a conversation exchange with a chat function along with traditional lessons. Look me up.
http://www.lang-8.com
I just started using this. It's basically just for getting your writing entries proofread by native speakers.
http://www.edufire.com
Also, just started using this. Can't say much right now, but looks like a flexible way to find a tutor or class.
I haven't really used these following sites as much, but last time I checked I think they were more or less the same. Sorry for the lack of a real, in-depth review...
http://www.mylanguageexchange.com
http://www.sharedtalk.com/
http://www.italki.com/
http://www.languageexchange.org
http://www.polyglot-learn-language.com/
Whether online or up close and face-to-face, 'conversation exchanges' are a lot like going into a blind date. You can e-mail a bit before hand, but when it comes down to it that first real life conversation is almost always awkward as all get out. (Am I talking too much? Should I just nod and pretend like I know what she's saying? "You like music? Me too!") Needless to say, not the best scenario to loosen you up for language practice.
Of course, it's often true that you get what you pay for. And for cheapskates like me, that usually means the free exchange is destined to be a short-lived one.
I've tried conversation exchanges a few times and experienced what you might expect: 1) The other person had little to no training or skills in language teaching and basically ended up confusing me more than anything else, and 2) it was simply too unstructured for a beginner like me to be able to participate on an enjoyable level. One minute he or she would talk to me on a baby level and the next thing rattle on as if I were an old childhood chum. Oh, and I also tend to notice that 3) she usually isn't as pretty as I pictured in my mind.
But hey, who says all translating trysts have to crash and burn so miserably as that? Here's a few pointers that I think can help salvage your linguistical one-night stand.
First of all, exchange photos. Take the 'blind' out of 'blind date.' Reading is hard work; go ahead and judge a book by its cover. For a girl, this might be a little more risky and lure in some unsavory freaks and geeks types, but as a guy I would like to know a little more information about my potential student/tutor. And you know who to look for at Starbucks. Of course, if you're only going to meet through Skype this is a non-issue.
Once you've got an idea of the person from their photo, lay down some simple ground rules so you know each other's expectations. Go over your preferred learning styles. Some people prefer to be gently corrected (not interrupted) on the spot and others would like to finish through with their comments until coming to a convenient pause for any corrections.
Incorporate a real-life activity into your time. This could be role-playing or actually going to a restaurant, let's say a reasonably-priced sushi bar, and ordering in the target language. Focus on functional phrases or colloquialisms ("Sheesh, 'do you mind' saving some of that saké for me?" "Well, 'as a matter of fact'..."). Whatever activity you end up doing provides plenty of relatable topics for conversation so the table talk time together feels less like an interview or examination - or interrogation. Try out each other's hobbies and you'll be learning various vocabulary as you go.
The idea is to avoid straight-up academic exercises (like giving book reports) which can easily become forced and boring without one or both parties being a naturally-gifted teacher to guide things. This isn't to say that you can't or shouldn't do pronunciation drills or controlled speaking practice, but just be sure it's done with a good dose of levity.
Since you're not paying for lessons and don't have to worry about being intimidated by the other person's status as a professional, be frank and honest. If the exchange is not working out for you, say so and try the next available partner (Ooh! Me! Me, please! Over here!). But try not to burn any bridges. Half of this crazy conversation exchange whirligig is just practicing being a good friend. Though having a few breath mints on hand never hurt anybody either.
Unless you're this guy (not me!). In which case all bets are off.
 | |
| "You like music? Me too!" |
※ Some more or less free sites for your perusal:
http://www.conversationexchange.com/ It's a basic, straight-up way to find people. I've used it once or twice. Luck of the draw.
http://www.livemocha.com
Offers the benefits of a conversation exchange with a chat function along with traditional lessons. Look me up.
http://www.lang-8.com
I just started using this. It's basically just for getting your writing entries proofread by native speakers.
http://www.edufire.com
Also, just started using this. Can't say much right now, but looks like a flexible way to find a tutor or class.
I haven't really used these following sites as much, but last time I checked I think they were more or less the same. Sorry for the lack of a real, in-depth review...
http://www.mylanguageexchange.com
http://www.sharedtalk.com/
http://www.italki.com/
http://www.languageexchange.org
http://www.polyglot-learn-language.com/
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