There are a lot of international students in Kazan Federal University. The hero of the day is Youto Khisiama Japanese master student studying in the Institute of philology and intercultural communication. Youto came to Kazan to strengthen and develop command of the Tatar language. He started learning the language of Tuqay two years ago in Japan.
Nowadays Youto Khisiama is using every opportunity in practicing and fruitfilling the Tatar language capacities. So, our short conversation was also in Tatar.
- Youto, what became a reason of your interest towards the Tatar language? When did it appear?
- I started learning the language in Tokyo University of Foreign Studies where I was studying in the Department of the Turkic Languages. To be honest, I can’t give rational explanation why I chose the Tatar language as a major. Probably, it was a spontaneous wish to learn the original language…
- So, graduating from your home university you decided to continue your studies in Kazan Federal University. What was the start of your preparation for studying in our university?
- The victory in the International Olympiad in the Tatar language for foreign students gave me an opportunity to study in KFU. There were months of intensive preparation before the participation in Olympiad which took place in April, 2014. I’m happy to have an opportunity to study in Kazan University (smiling). So, I’m a master student of KFU from the 1st September of this year.
- Few words about your scientific interests, what is the issue you are working on now?
- I’m gathering the material about the possessive category in Turkic languages. It is well known that the possessive category is playing an important role in that group of languages. In my opinion this theme is relevant and quite complex. However, supervisor of the studies helps me a lot, I’m not afraid of that topic.
- Student life is more than just lectures and home tasks. Youto, how do you like the life in Kazan? Do you have enough practice in the Tatar language?
- So many questions at the same time! Ok, so I live in the Universiade village. I’m convinced that it is the high international quality complex. Everything is comfortable, well organized there. I feel myself cosy and safe.
It’s impossible to suffer from loneliness if you live in the students’ campus. As soon as the students learning Japanese know that there is a Japanese nearby they can’t lose an opportunity to practice Japanese, and I use that opportunity to practice Russian or Tatar.
- What are you planning to do afterwards, Youto?
- First of all, I have to graduate from KFU and successfully present my research project. Afterwards, I’m planning to come back home and start writing a PhD thesis using the materials I have gathered here. Then, I’m planning to start teaching Japanese students the Tatar language and literature, why not?
- Youto, rakhmat! Arigato! Thank you and good luck!