Center stage: SIU Carbondale students play a pivotal role in highlighting language and traditions at annual World Languages and Cultures Day celebrations. (SIU Carbondale photo)
January 30, 2025
Nearly 1,000 students to visit SIU for World Languages and Cultures Day
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Nearly 1,000 students from 15 high schools across the state will learn the history and future of languages and cultures during Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 49th World Languages and Cultures Day celebration on Monday, Feb. 3.
The event is from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Student Center. Festivities begin with a welcome session at 9:15 a.m. hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane, Joddy Murray, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and School of Languages and Linguistics faculty members.
“We live in an increasingly interconnected world and the future will be even more intercultural over time,” Murray said. “World Languages and Cultures Day in the College of Liberal Arts is an opportunity for students in Illinois to come to SIU and experience the variety, the vibrance, of multiple languages and cultures. The programming is designed to immerse students who may one day choose to come to SIU in order to, in part, feel more connected to our diverse world.”
Media availability
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover World Languages and Cultures Day. For more information or assistance in arranging interviews on Feb. 3, contact Rachel Wolters, coordinator for recruitment and retention in the College of Liberal Arts, at rachelw@siu.edu or 618-318-2197.
In addition to numerous interactive, hands-on demonstrations, the students, who are in language classes in their high schools, will learn more about languages on such topics as Middle Eastern Christianity, American Sign Language, writing with pictures in the ancient Americas, and hip hop and racial identity in contemporary America. The breakout sessions will also include a look at artificial intelligence and second language speaking proficiency and AI and technology in SIU’s Center for Virtual Expression.
Students from the following schools are expected to attend:
- Carterville High School.
- Chester High School.
- Cobden High School.
- Du Quoin High School.
- Eldorado High School.
- Herrin High School.
- Johnston City High School.
- Marion High School.
- Mount Vernon Township High School.
- Murphysboro High School.
- Okaw Valley High School.
- Pana High School.
- Pinckneyville Community High School.
- Red Bud High School.
- Vienna High School.
The School of Languages and Linguistics and the College of Liberal Arts are sponsoring the celebration.