April 04, 2011

SIUC to host 39th annual Foreign Language Day

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Foreign Language Day at Southern Illinois University Carbondale does more for students than celebrate their growing knowledge of another language. It also reminds them of the some of the benefits of foreign language learning.

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures holds its 39th annual Foreign Language Day from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, in the SIUC Student Center. The Foreign Language Scholar Bowl may be the heart of the day’s activities, but the cultural events are its spirit.

Media Advisory

Photographers, reporters and camera crews are welcome to cover any of the events at SIUC’s Foreign Language Day, held at the Student Center. Of particular interest may be the cultural events, which take place throughout the event.

This year, more than a dozen cultural presentations will provide a glimpse into the traditions of some non-English speaking countries, and the heritage of the Latin language. Among the presentations is the always-popular Julio Barrenzuela, the “Salsa Ambassador,” offering salsa dance lessons, and, for the first time at Foreign Language Day, the SIUC Kendo Club presents a demonstration of Kendo, traditional samurai swordsmanship. A full schedule will be available soon online at http://colanmc.siu.edu/FLD/.

“This event gives students a taste of different languages and cultures, and encourages them to continue studying languages in preparation for life in a global community,” Thomas Thibeault, associate professor of German and director of the College of Liberal Arts New Media Center, said.

More than 1,200 high school students from 35 Southern Illinois high schools are expected this year at SIUC Foreign Language Day. The Foreign Language Scholar Bowl includes students from Carterville High School, Collinsville High School, Du Quoin High School, Frankfort Community High School, Madison Community High School, Marion High School, Murphysboro High School, Nashville Community High School, Pope County High School, Red Bud High School, Sparta High School and Wesclin Junior/Senior High School.