Japanese professor fosters linguistic unity through lecture at MSU‑IIT

To bridge linguistic worlds and deepen cross-cultural understanding, Prof. Gyo Miyahara Ph.D., from the University of Osaka’s School of Foreign Studies, Department of Philippine Studies, delivered his lecture “Japanese for Polyglots” last Saturday, August 22, at the University Theatre.


Assoc. Prof. Mary Clarisse Anne Ventic, Department of Filipino and Panitikan (DFP) Internationalization Coordinator, opened the event. While Assoc. Prof. Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) and the University Registrar, delivered a heartwarming message.


Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Beverly Joy Mejos warmly introduced the speaker for the lecture, Prof. Miyahara


Drawing from his expertise, Prof. Miyahara guided students of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) through the nuances of Japanese phonology and its intersections with Filipino languages. His lecture highlighted how Japanese can be integrated into multilingual speech while underscoring linguistic similarities between Filipino and Nihongo.

Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students attended the three-hour session, strengthening the cross-cultural exchange between the two partner universities. The lecture allowed participants to immerse themselves in basic Japanese language structures and engage directly with the speaker through an open forum.

The event concluded with a message from the Chairperson of DFP, Assoc. Prof. Danilyn Abingosa.

More than a linguistic exercise, the event broadened opportunities for collaboration and cultural understanding—fostering a community where language transcends boundaries.

Report by Jocel Mae Latris

Proofread by Bea Faye Eumague and Fame Orong