Campus Connection

Students have the great opportunity at UW-L to expand their view and understanding of the increasing complex and global world by studying languages. “It is important for students to experience languages in a variety of ways,” says Laurence Couturier who manages the university’s Language Resource Center. “When studying a language, you study much more than just the technicality of a language, you practice communication, including the knowledge, respect and understand of cultures and human values.” Students can discover more at the second Festival of Languages from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in the Cameron Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall. "The study of languages represents a crucial link in the global world that students are preparing to enter," says Couturier. Couturier is coordinating the event with Shelley Hay, assistant professor of German in the Modern Languages Department. The festival aims to be social, fun and informative. Among the events scheduled:

• Tango, waltz and ballet lessons
• Presentations on Cuba, Ukraine-Russia, Pakistan
• Round table discussion on languages and professions
• Poster presentations
• Chinese calligraphy
• Experiential language activities
• Music
• Ethnic refreshments

The Department of Modern Languages currently offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hmong, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and TESOL (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages). Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in classes that range from beginning to advanced language levels. See the complete schedule and find out more about the department at www.uwlax.edu/modern-languages/ If you go— What: Festival of Languages Who: Modern Languages Department When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 9 Where: Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall Admission: Free