SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Bridging gaps between cultures with words was the focus of the Second Annual World Languages Day at the University of Scranton on March 4, 2025. Over one hundred students from six local high schools participated, immersing themselves in what can only be described as a linguistic adventure.
The event, aptly titled 'Hacking the Power of Language,' showcased diverse languages and cultures, from Arabic to Mandarin, to American Sign Language. The University of Scranton buzzed with activity as students from Valley View, Riverside, Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack, West Scranton, and Scranton High Schools flocked to the event.
"We have eight different languages going on in the background today, and we wanted people to come with the sense of the power of those languages," explained Amy Kuiken, the University of Scranton Language Learning Center Coordinator. Her sentiment highlighted the event's purpose: to celebrate linguistic diversity through interaction.
Each session lasted just 15 minutes, featuring rapid dives deep enough to engage students' interests. They experienced firsthand how to interact and communicate effectively, guided by university scholars and faculty members. Katie Skirpan, a senior at Western Wayne High School, shared her experience: "Professor Wu just went up there and got me really interested in Taiwan. Like it was really interesting.” For students like Katie, this exposure to new languages opened pathways to exploring different cultures.
The excitement did not stop there. Julia Wehrmann, also from Western Wayne High School, expressed, "It’s really exciting seeing other languages because I’ve only ever really learned Spanish.” This event not only expanded her linguistic horizon but fueled her curiosity to learn more about other languages.
Students interacted with peers and educators throughout the day, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication. Carmela Cordero, a junior at West Scranton High School, noted, "I think it actually helps way more to have somebody else who’s actually showing you how to pronounce it cause, like, yeah, AI can do a bunch of stuff, but I feel like with languages, it’s really a human thing.” Her words reflect the heart of the learning experience, which technology cannot replace.
This sentiment was echoed by Kuiken, who added, "There are those tasks where knowing how to reach out to a person, and knowing what the right word to use is to help them, those are things humans are still really good at.” The event truly highlighted the nuances of language learning as both a science and deeply personal interaction.
Beyond the linguistic sessions, cultural booths provided students with opportunities to explore the customs, traditions, and ways of life corresponding to each language being presented. Many attendees were eager to take home not just new vocabulary but also newfound perspectives of the world around them.
Festivals like World Languages Day showcase the significance of cultural exchange through language. With communities becoming more interconnected globally, events fostering bilingualism and cultural appreciation are increasingly pertinent. Language transcends mere words; it's about the connections it helps forge.
Reflecting on the event, it's evident the Second Annual World Languages Day succeeded not just as an academic endeavor but as an enriching opportunity to cultivate global citizens. The diverse participation and enthusiasm displayed by students underline the importance of inter-cultural dialogues. With the world ever-changing, such platforms only reinforce the relevance of learning to communicate across boundaries.
The success of this event sends out ripples of hope for future language initiatives, reinforcing the idea of embracing linguistic diversity as we navigate through increasingly multicultural societies.