The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures recently celebrated World Languages Week from March 4 to 7, 2025, with a vibrant array of cultural events designed to engage students and showcase global linguistic diversity. Throughout this week, events focused not only on the fun associated with games and food, but also highlighted the rich history and significance of various cultures.
The celebration began on Monday, March 3, with the La Tavola Italian Club honoring Carnevale, a significant festival in Italian culture. Students adorned themselves with colorful masks and indulged in traditional pastries called chiacchiere while learning about the historical background of the Carnevale celebration.
Later that same day, Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish Honor Society, hosted a Pintxos y Pinceles event, which merged the enjoyment of painting with Basque snacks. Associate Spanish Professor Lascurain guided participants through a creative painting experience while they munched on delicious pintxos.
As the week continued, Tuesday, March 4, became a lively day filled with competitions and cultural insights. The German Club organized trivia combining German card games with cultural questions, inviting students to test their knowledge of Germany’s language and customs. Simultaneously, the Spanish Club engaged students with traditional Latin American games like sack races, egg balancing, and tug-of-war, fostering a lively spirit of competition and collaboration.
On the same day, the Japanese Club took participants on a journey into the art of calligraphy. Attendees learned about the history behind calligraphy and were given the chance to practice writing beautiful characters, showcasing their artistic skills and creativity.
Wednesday, March 5, brought the joyous atmosphere of Mardi Gras to campus. The Francophone Club presented a delightful New Orleans-style King Cake accompanied by a mask-making activity, where students embraced the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras. Additionally, an important informative session on Fulbright awards offered students insights into international exchange opportunities, encouraging many to consider enriching their educational experiences.
Thursday, March 6, served as the concluding day of World Languages Week, intensifying the cultural dialogues initiated earlier in the week. The Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society hosted a panel discussion focused on La Francophonie, featuring students from France, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Morocco. These participants shared personal experiences and reflections on the French-speaking world, enriching the audience’s understanding of global perspectives.
In tandem with the panel, the Collegium Latinitatis Latin Club captivated attendees with a dramatic reading of ancient Roman poetry, providing a fascinating glimpse into the literary heritage of Latin and showcasing the passion of classical literature.
All week long, the hallway of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures transformed into a vibrant cultural showcase. Eye-catching decorations and informative displays accompanied eager student participation, highlighting the diversity of languages and traditions that contribute to our global community. World Languages Week, meticulously organized by the department’s student organizations (RSOs), not only emphasized the fun and joy of discovering new cultures but also the importance of linguistic diversity as a vital component of global citizenship.
In conclusion, the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures successfully created an enriching space where students could engage and celebrate their multicultural heritage. Events throughout the week encouraged camaraderie, creativity, and cultural appreciation, leaving lasting impressions on all participants.
