Foreign Language Fair and Beyond...
Among the Kimonos, posters of Michelangelo’s "Creation of Man," and Brazilian Martial Arts performance, representatives of different cultures persuaded attendees to learn how to say “hello” in ten different languages before they left. The Foreign Language Department gathered to introduce and reinforce the cultures found around the world while informing those interested about study abroad and taking foreign language classes.
Although unfamiliar with sign language, this writer was able to speak with Assistant Professor in the ASL and Interpreting Education Program for NTID, Dr. Cynthia Sanders, through an interpreter. However, Dr. Sanders introduced herself by talking though a website she had set up on her table. She would type in what she wanted to say followed by a response, and an automated hand would pop up and illustrate the hand movements to make.
Associate Professor for the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies for NTID, Dr. J. Matt Searls, explained that courses in the Deaf culture started this fall, and he encouraged students to satisfy any questions they have about the community to take these new Deaf culture classes offered. Dr. Saunders also added, “The classes fill very quickly, but we’re doing our best to expand the program to give all students an opportunity to communicate with their peers.”
The event provided food relevant to the different cultures, as well games like Bocce from Italy, Chinese chess and Barbu from France. Performances were scheduled for the entire three hours of the event, and included Japanese Bon Dance, a traditional Japanese dance held every summer to reminisce one’s ancestor. Performances also included Italian Poetry and songs from Genova, and the German mini-drama, "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice," whose story inspired Disney’s “Fantasia.”
After fishing for marbles with chopsticks, Tanya Gizzarelli and Lynette Serbinski, both RIT students minoring in Italian, shared information and their plans.
Gizzarelli spoke of study abroad in Italy, particularly Genova. Though she has not visited Italy, she plans to one day. “I took it because I’m half Dominican and half Italian; I speak Spanish and wanted to learn Italian,” said Gizzarelli of her heritage.
Serbinski, who also plans to go to Italy in the future explained, “I still need help with bigger paragraphs but I’m fine with small conversation.”
You can’t spread your wings if you don’t know what your flying over. So definitely learn as much about the world we live in as you can. If anything, the event encouraged students to be more curious. Contact the Foreign Language Department if you are curious about broadening your horizons.