World Languages Showcase highlights culture and linguistic representation of OHIO’s dynamic community

The World Languages Showcase will take place on Thursday, March 24 from 6-8 p.m. in the Baker University Center Front Room.

This special event, organized as part of the Global Arts Festival’s exciting offering of Evening Concerts, invites the Ohio University community to experience world languages both taught at OHIO and languages spoken by Global Bobcats. Performances will include song, dance, poem and storytelling, cultural showcases, and more.

“OHIO’s truly robust engagement in language learning and sharing, in and out of the classroom, is part of what makes our campus communities so rich and dynamic. We’re so thrilled to be able to offer this exciting event to elevate and champion a greater understanding of one another through the lens of Language,” said Ji-Yeung Jang, interim executive director for Global Affairs. 

Ohio University is home to Bobcats from many different cultures, countries, and communities. Through both academic and social engagement, the University community is strengthened by diversity, as well as a wealth of experiences and dynamic worldviews brought to our campuses, from students, faculty and staff. 

“This event will provide the best opportunity for the public to immerse, learn, and celebrate the languages and cultures of the international Bobcats and communities,” said Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, coordinator of the Center for International Studies' World Languages Program. “Participating in this program, our world language students are required to work closely with their instructors and peers, either their classmates or community members, where they can learn language outside the classroom through songs, music, dance movements and the social and historical context of the art forms where they were created.” 

OHIO currently offers language learning through the College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Linguistics (Arabic, Chinese, English, Japanese, and Swahili), and the Department of Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish, and Italian), and  the Center for International Studies World languages program (Akan, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu , Hindi, Thai, and Wolof), and through the Department of Classics and World Religious Studies (Greek and Latin). At the beginning of the academic year, 993 international students from 112 countries were enrolled. 

Language learning and multi-lingual skill supports unique and dynamic ways of experiencing the world at large, through deeper understanding of culture and global engagement. 

“The program is culturally and linguistically diverse and packed with intriguing qualities from 12 language groups,” Paladroi-Shane said. “In addition, the attendees can enjoy the educational and cultural activities at the language tables, which will be facilitated by the language instructors of Akan, Hindi, Indonesian, Thai, and Wolof. This includes Wolof hand painting, Indian handkerchief painting, and miscellaneous art crafts. As a language advocate, I am proud to say that OHIO can continue its critical role in nurturing and promoting world language education.”

This event is co-organized by the Office of Global Affairs and the Center for International Studies. Details of the World Language Showcase can be found on OHIO’s Calendar of Events. Contact globalaffairs@ohio.edu for more information.