As a teenager, Kiana Govoni, ’16, developed a keen interest in Japanese popular culture, a fascination that stirred her hope of one day learning the language.
At Bridgewater State University, the Carver resident has come a long way toward realizing that dream, successfully completing and earning top marks in all four levels of Japanese courses offered at the university.
Mastering Japanese can be difficult, Kiana said, citing in particular the challenge of memorizing the language’s many written characters. But she said it is also rewarding.
“It’s a very beautiful-sounding language. And through the language you learn so much about the culture,” she said.
As a sign of her growing proficiency in the language, Kiana recently delivered remarks in Japanese during a reception at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan in Chestnut Hill. Kiana attended as the guest of Dr. Minae Savas, an associate professor of Japanese at BSU, who has taught three of her four Japanese courses.
“I was very nervous. Having to speak Japanese in front of very important people, I didn’t want to make a mistake,” Kiana said. “But it was a very welcoming environment so I was able to relax and just enjoy being around people interested in the Japanese language and culture.”
Kiana had taught herself some Japanese by the time she arrived at BSU after obtaining an associate’s degree from Massasoit Community College. But her knowledge and interest in the subject grew as she immersed herself in her Japanese courses.
An English major with an Asian studies minor, Kiana also began taking classes in Mandarin and Russian this past year. She is remaining at BSU to obtain the final Asian studies credits she needs, and possibly to pick up a history minor.
After graduating, Kiana hopes to work as a translator and interpreter of Japanese and possibly other languages.
“Language is basically my passion,” said Kiana, who also wants to pursue creative writing. (Photo by John Winters, University News & Media)
