One of the most enriching experiences I have had with a culture so unlike mine was during my study of the Japanese language, under the supervision of Kobayashi sensei. I am not claiming to possess a high level of proficiency in the langauge, because any such claim would be a lie easily stripped naked. But having said that, I do not think one can have enough of a language or a culture one admires as much as I admire the Japanese face of the world.

At a certain point a Japanese poetry contest was organized by the Japanese embassy in Amman and the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Jordan. Kobayashi sensei informed us, her students so marginal in number, of the event and bid us try to make it.

I made myself ready and off I went to the meeting place, on the appointed rendez- vous, and there so many people were talking in Japanese and English, and seldom in Arabic. I found Kobayashi sensei and it was such a relief to see a familiar face since I had no clue where to go or what to do; the hall seemed so full that I thought I would not even score a seat. Luckily though, Kobayashi sensei eased my uneasiness and motioned me to a spot where I can sit and claim my own with no competition. She even gave me a magazine and a fold of some 20 papers, and I value free prints.

Sitting in my chair, unearthing my fresh treasures and looking about me with eager eyes hunting for every detail. Here a smile there a nod, it was a cultural mumbo jumbo; considering how big my eyes are and how neatly sized those of the Japs are.

I contemplated participating in the contest, but I then thought the matter over and dismissed the notion. Kobayashi sensei tried to talk me into it, telling me of all the great prizes to be won by those who dare perform infront of the Japanese ambassador and a crowd of native speakers for referees, as well as a decent number of humble Arabic-speaking Japanese-learning students and professionals.

During the time Kobayashi sensei was trying to convince me to get involved in the Haiku contest, I was torn up in such a turmoil of thought. I believe I wanted to recite that bit of poetry in Japanese, then explain it in English or Arabic and record my reflections on it, infront of a hungry hall lusting for my presentation. But the conflict lay in the fact that I had not been prepared, psychologically speaking, to “just do it”. I owned the issue required more time for me to gear up and summon my public speaking abilities to my rescue, and the crowd’s demand.

The event itself was pleasant, however. I enjoyed every second of the time I spent there. A graphic designer, I believe this was his profession, won the grand prize. His presentation was appealing,hence he was deserving.

So touched was I, and I still am, by this unique form of art that I shall post about it. My personal favorite involves a cat, it was composed by a poet named Issa. I got this from some one hundred papers that Kobayashi sensei gave me, Arigato Gozaimasu, sensei. Following is the Romaji - Japanese in Roman characters- of the Haiku and its English translation.

nete okite ooakubishite neko no koi

Having slept, the cat gets up,
And with great yawns,
Goes love-making

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 5th, 2005 at 12:17 pm and is filed under Bits & pieces. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.