Meet our faculty members in Asian Studies and learn more about their background and passions! In this Faculty Spotlight, we introduce you to Aya Yamakawa, our new Lecturer in Japanese! Prior to joining UBC, she was a Visiting Lecturer at Brown University.
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Can you tell us what you will be teaching in the UBC Department of Asian Studies?
What do you want students to gain out of your courses?
What are some other interests you enjoy pursuing outside of your work?
Could you tell us a little about your academic background prior to joining UBC Department of Asian Studies? What brought you to Asian Studies?
Before joining UBC, I was a Visiting Lecturer in Japanese at Brown University. Previously, I taught at Earlham College in the U.S., and at the Okinawa Institute of Science of Technology Graduate University in Japan where I taught a range of Japanese language courses from beginner to advanced levels. My research interests include queer pedagogy and community-centered language education, with a particular focus on creating inclusive language classroom.
Having taught and worked in Japan, the U.S., Australia, India and Israel, I have seen firsthand how language can connect people across cultures. Those teaching experiences continue to inspire me and led me to join the Department of Asian Studies, where I look forward to learning with student.
What inspires you to teach?
What inspires me most is seeing students grow, not only in their Japanese language skills and confidence but also as individuals. My favorite part of teaching is communicating with students and building meaningful connections with them. I believe teaching is also a process of learning, and I learn so much from my students, their perspectives. These interactions make every class unique and continue to inspire me as an educator.
Can you tell us what you will be teaching in the UBC Department of Asian Studies?
I will be teaching Japanese language course at both the introductory and intermediate levels. I am excited to help students develop their communication skills while exploring the cultural and social context in which Japanese is used.
What do you want students to gain out of your courses?
I hope students gain not only Japanese language skills but also the ability to think critically and approach the world with curiosity. Through learning Japanese, I want students to explore different perspectives, question assumptions, and develop a deeper understanding of language, culture, and society. I hope my course encourages students to become lifelong learners who are open to new ideas and confident in engaging with people from diverse background.
What are some other interests you enjoy pursuing outside of your work?
Outside of teaching, I enjoy travelling and exploring different cultures through local food, and art museums. Since I will be new to Vancouver, I am excited to discovering the city’s beautiful nature and diverse communities while getting to know my new home.
