World Languages Day debuts

The first-ever World Languages Day Tuesday, April 16, at the university will introduce more than 600 high school students from across Wisconsin to the more than 60 languages and cultures taught at the Madison campus.

Representing 20 schools from Stevens Point to Kettle Moraine, the students will get a taste — sometimes literally — of language and culture options they might like to pursue.

The scope of those options covers the globe, from Africa to Asia to Europe and the Middle East. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about various ethnic groups in Wisconsin — indigenous peoples, Scandinavians, Germans and more — who helped shape the region and continue to influence it.

High school students will encounter these languages and cultures, some of them seldom taught anywhere other than UW–Madison, through sessions focusing on storytelling, cinema, skits, cooking, dance and other arts, clothing, business practices and much more.

According to event organizer Jane Tylus, associate dean for the arts and humanities in the UW–Madison College of Letters and Science, “World Languages Day will not only highlight UW–Madison’s language, culture and area studies programs but also will send the message that language-learning is important to members of a global community.”

However, she adds that knowledge of a second — or even third — language isn’t limited to the workplace. “It can enrich your personal life, giving students the tools to go abroad and explore another culture in depth,” she says.

UW–Madison faculty, staff and students will present more than 40 sessions throughout the day. Event coordinator Catherine Reiland says the activities will not be confined to visiting high school students.

“Teachers will have the chance to experience firsthand some the latest developments in language teaching,” Reiland says. “They also will be able to meet with representatives of our seven federally funded area studies centers to find out more about the resources and services available here.”

All language/culture departments and area studies programs are housed in the College of Letters and Science. Phillip R. Certain, L&S dean, says it is gratifying to see the enthusiasm with which Wisconsin high schools have greeted this inaugural offering.

“We are tremendously pleased by the overwhelming response, and proud to share with students the rich language offerings available in the college,” he says.

World Languages Day is sponsored by the College of Letters and Science, with additional support from the UW–Madison International Institute and the Anonymous Fund. Sessions will be Tuesday, April 16, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in Memorial Union, Red Gym or Pyle Center, all located on Langdon Street. For more information, contact Reiland, (608) 262-4077, reiland@ls.admin.wisc.edu.