Learn Basic Japanese with Big Bird: Ichi, Ni, San
At the library the other week, my 3 year-old and I checked out Big Bird in Japan, a Sesame Street special from 1989. We enjoyed it, especially all the sights and sounds of Japan.
In the story, a tour bus leaves Big Bird and his dog Barkley behind. They have trouble communicating because nobody speaks “American.” Fortunately, they meet a Japanese mystery-girl who helps them out.
I was so excited when I heard the song “Ichi, Ni, San.” I knew the song, but didn’t realize it was from Big Bird in Japan. Several years ago, I listened to second graders perform it at a school program. I credit that song with teaching me how to say one, two, three in Japanese.
I normally believe in the immersion approach, but sometimes I appreciate a catchy little translation song. I just love it. Enjoy:
Before you know it, you and your kids will have mastered eight Japanese words through this little song:
ichi – one
ni – two
san – three
Ohayou – Good morning (Big Bird thought this sounded like the US state of Ohio.)
Douzo – Please
Hai – yes
Sayonara – Goodbye
Arigato – Thank you
My new goal in life is to be as well traveled as Big Bird, who has been to both China and Japan. Arigato, Big Bird!
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