Southern Illinois University Carbondale will welcome 1,400 students from 23 high schools across Illinois for the 50th World Languages and Cultures Day on March 19. The event, themed “50 Years of Learning, 250 Years of Belonging,” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Student Center.
The annual celebration aims to highlight the importance of language learning and cultural understanding among high school students. Organizers say the event provides an opportunity for students to see how studying another language can broaden their perspectives and inspire further study.
Jennifer Smith, professor of Spanish and co-acting interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said, “It is incredibly rewarding to see students get excited about other languages and cultures. The event brings so much energy to campus and reminds teachers that what we do truly matters. Our hope is that students begin to see how studying another language can open their minds to entirely new worlds and inspire them to continue their studies in this area. But even if they simply walk away from the day excited about the fun they had, we still consider that a success.”
Brody Bluemel, professor and director of the School of Languages and Linguistics (SLL), emphasized the regional significance of the event as it marks its golden anniversary alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary. “In our increasingly interconnected world, language skills, and intercultural communication are core competencies. For students in Southern Illinois, this event is a gateway. It transforms language from a high school graduation requirement into a living, breathing tool for career success and cultural empathy,” Bluemel said. He added that this year’s milestone is meaningful because “for two-and-a-half centuries, the American story has been written in many languages,” noting SIU’s role in fostering global citizenship over five decades.
This year’s program includes new features such as a poster contest based on the theme with entries displayed in Art Alley; interactive sessions in various locations within the Student Center; hands-on demonstrations; breakout sessions covering topics like Kichwa musical instruments, Chinese paper cutting, non-verbal communication in Ghanaian communities, virtual scavenger hunts through Spain, meditation techniques, and more. A college fair will also be held during the morning.
The School of Languages and Linguistics along with the College of Liberal Arts sponsors World Languages and Cultures Day each year.
