The High School Japanese Speech Contest is held every year at the University of Pittsburgh in conjuction with the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. Japanese language students of all levels are able to compete against other area students. Each year over 80 students participate. Students are required to write a speach on the chosen topic for the contest. Winners receive prizes and trophies!
What’s New for 2010?
a. The categorization of contest participation has been edited for clarity. Students who are either currently in their first year of Japanese language study or otherwise involved in activities related to Japan are encouraged to participate in a travel-themed poster session. Second year and above students who had more practice with the language are encouraged to register for the speech contest according to language ability. (beginner level for students who are in their second year of language study up to the new advanced plus level for students who are currently in their fifth year of language study or the equivalent). Please see the Handbook for further guidelines. A newly updated rubric for the speech contest has been added for your information and students’ use in preparing for the contest. This rubric is only slightly changed from previous years, but includes one new section on “appropriate speech level” in accordance with the guidelines previously given in the Information Sheet of the speech contest handbook (see Judging Criteria)
b. A specific topic is assigned to each level with individual standard and instructions. Three topics were carefully chosen by Speech Contest judges and ASC faculty this year: Self-Introduction (for beginner level); My Favorite Holiday or Celebration (for intermediate and advanced level); A Challenge that High School Students Face (for advanced plus level). Please refer to the Speech Contest Instructions for more details.
c. In an effort to go green, we decided not to send out a whole packet of information by mail and make everything available online. Instructors are encouraged to print out the Student Registration Form for interested students, and submit them with the School Registration Form as well as the registration fee to JASP by Friday, January 22, 2010.
Inquires can be made to qmiao@us-japan.org or call the JASP office at 412-433-5021.
 2010 Speech Contest Resources
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