FIU Libraries Language Day: Understanding linguistic diversity

French Trivia at the Pop-up Speaker Series | Afra Fairuz/PantherNOW

Afra Fairuz | Contributing Writer

FIU Libraries, in collaboration with the Office of Global Learning Initiatives, the Latin American & Caribbean Center, and the students and faculty in Modern Languages, hosted its ninth annual Language Day on Thursday, Nov. 6. This vibrant event unfolded in and around the Green Library, resonating with the spirit of celebration during International Education Week.

This event showcased an array of engaging activities that fostered meaningful interactions, celebrating the rich cultural diversity thriving within the university community. A diverse crowd gathered in the Green Library’s lounge and second-floor spaces, eager to learn about cultural diversity and different traditions.

The Green Library Breezeway served as a dynamic venue for a spectrum of clubs and programs, including the Italy Club and the Chinese Club, actively promoting the language programs offered at the university. Meanwhile, the lounge on the first floor transformed into a lively karaoke event, providing students with a platform to express themselves through songs in the languages of their choice.

On the second-floor gallery, volunteers at high-top tables engaged participants in conversations with other students. Attendees were given stickers to list the languages they knew, facilitating connections with others who shared the same languages.

The Pop-up Speaker Series on the second floor, conducted by John Gonzalez, the emcee of the event, proved to be a vibrant and successful event, stimulating lively engagement between the presenter and the audience. The sessions featured dynamic conversations, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and entertaining language trivia, providing both educational and enjoyable moments. Speakers emphasized the profound impact of language on cultures and our daily lives.

People socializing at the Green Library on Language Day | Afra Fairuz/PantherNOW

Professor Li Ma, coordinator of the Chinese program, conveyed that Language Day serves the purpose of dispelling the notion that acquiring a foreign language is challenging. The event is designed to inspire students to embrace and appreciate diverse cultures.

“You really open the windows to a different culture, not just the language,” said Li Ma. “Language is just a path to understanding another culture.”

Alexander Touzard, an international relations student attending the event for the second consecutive year, shared insights on how Language Day contributes to a better understanding of other cultures. According to him, meeting people from diverse backgrounds firsthand provides a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights.

“Well, it’s better to listen to the source, to the people who’ve actually been there,” said Touzard, emphasizing the importance of meeting individuals with direct experience in diverse cultures.

Sarah Hammill, Business and Online Learning Librarian and one of the coordinators of the Language Day, shared her motivation for organizing the event annually.

“It’s fun,” she said. “You learn about language, you learn about culture, you learn a few words in different
languages and you make new friends.”

Hammill warmly encourages everyone to attend the event again next year, promising a
the continued celebration of language and cultural discovery.

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