Finding Burma from Osaka to Canberra: Kaede Taniguchi’s Cross-Cultural Quest
For Kaede Taniguchi, an exchange student from Osaka University in Japan, learning Burmese was a choice that came from an unexpected source of inspiration.
Watching news coverage of the military coup in Myanmar, Kaede was moved by the courage of students fighting for their rights. This sparked a deep interest in the country and its culture. Originally planning to study English, Kaede made a bold decision to switch her focus to Burmese.
"I wanted to understand more about the people and their resilience," Kaede shares. "It felt like the right path for me."
A Meeting that Changed Everything
Kaede’s connection to ANU began when she met Dr. Yuri Takahashi, a lecturer in the ANU Burmese Program, during a visit to Osaka University. At her home university, Kaede’s Burmese studies focused primarily on reading and writing, with much of the instruction conducted in Japanese. But at ANU, the emphasis on conversational Burmese and daily interaction caught her attention.
"When I heard that the ANU program focused on speaking and daily conversation, I knew this was the missing link," Kaede recalls.
She credits Dr. Takahashi’s vibrant teaching style and nurturing support as key to her growth. "Yuri amazed me with her enthusiasm and warmth," Kaede says. "As a quiet introvert, I now aspire to adopt her energy in my own life."
Discovering a New World in Canberra
Kaede’s time at ANU was as much about self-discovery as it was about academics. While Canberra initially seemed "sleepy and boring," Kaede quickly fell in love with its unique blend of cultural vibrancy and natural beauty.
"I adore nature walks and spotting wildlife," she says. "Seeing a wombat for the first time was unforgettable!"
Daily Burmese conversations with classmates gave her a deeper appreciation for the culture, while meeting students from diverse backgrounds enriched her perspective. However, adapting to tutorials—unfamiliar in Japan—was a challenge.
"It was tough at first, especially with so many different accents," Kaede admits. "But I made it a goal to speak up, even just a little, in every session. That helped me grow more confident."
Kaede was also struck by the independence and initiative of ANU students. "In Japan, students aren’t as involved in leading events or projects," she observes. "It amazed me how enterprising students here are!"
Culture Shocks and Fun Moments
Life in Australia wasn’t without its surprises. From barefoot bathroom visits to skateboarders in shared kitchens, Kaede encountered her fair share of cultural quirks.
"And swimming in the lake—that was so strange to me!" she laughs.
Advice for Future Students
Kaede offers a reassuring message to other exchange students: "Don’t feel too pressured. It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first time living alone. Canberra is so friendly and easy to manage—it will all work out."
A Favourite Burmese Expression
Kaede treasures the Burmese greeting "Mingalaba," which goes beyond a simple hello. It reflects goodwill and respect, wishing "blessings" or "auspiciousness" upon the other person. "It’s such a beautiful sentiment with so much warmth," Kaede says.
Looking Ahead
After two enriching semesters at ANU, Kaede is back in Osaka to complete her fourth year and work on her thesis, which focuses on the educational challenges faced by Burmese migrants in Thailand. She hopes to conduct field research in Thailand and later pursue opportunities that combine her love for languages with international work.
Fluent in Japanese, Burmese, and Hindi, Kaede dreams of contributing to projects that improve people’s lives globally. Her passion for Hindi was sparked by the Bollywood film Pad Man, a story about breaking taboos around menstruation in rural India.
"I want to use my skills to connect Japan with the world and make a meaningful impact," Kaede says.
From Osaka to Canberra and beyond, Kaede Taniguchi’s journey is one of courage, curiosity, and a deep desire to make a difference.