April 16, 2012

University to host 40th Foreign Language Day

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- It’s not quite like going abroad, but when high school students travel to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for Foreign Language Day, they do get to practice the languages they’ve studied.

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures hosts the 40th annual Foreign Language Day on Thursday, April 19.  Students from more than 30 high schools are expected to attend, and to participate in foreign language Scholar Bowl tournaments and cultural events.

Media Advisory

Photographers, reporters and camera crews are welcome to cover Foreign Language Day at SIU Carbondale, held at the Student Center.  A popular event that may provide visual interest is the salsa dance demonstration presented by SIU Carbondale alumnus, Julio Barrenzuela.  He’ll be making his presentations at 10:40 a.m. and at 11:50 a.m.

This year, SIU Carbondale alumnus Julio Barrenzuela returns with his popular salsa dance demonstration and lessons.  In addition, students have the opportunity for a crash course in Russian with research assistant Margarita Osadcha, and to learn Asian writing systems, with demonstrations of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean writing with Alan Kim, associate professor of Japanese at SIU Carbondale.

“Knowing a foreign language is like having a super power -- not everyone can do it,” Thomas Thibeault, associate professor of German and director of the College of Liberal Arts New Media Center, said.  Thibeault organizes the event every year as part of a way to demonstrate to high school students some of the rewards of understanding a foreign culture through its language.

            High schools attending include:

            • Alton High School

            • Benton Consolidated High School

            • Carbondale Community High School

            • Carterville High School

            • Collinsville High School

            • Du Quoin High School

            • Edwards County High School

            • Effingham High School

            • Frankfort Community High School

            • Goreville High School

            • Herrin High School

            • Hillsboro High School

            • Joppa High School

            • Lawrenceville High School

            • Madison High School

            • Marion High School

            • Massac County High School

            • Mount Vernon High School

            • Murphysboro High School

            • Nashville Community High School

            • Pope County High School

            • Red Hill High School

            • Saint Anthony High School (Effingham)

            • Sparta High School

            • Steeleville High School

            • Teutopolis High School

            • Trico High School

            • Vienna High School

            • Waterloo Community High School

            • Zeigler-Royalton High School