September 11, 2008

'Languages Matter' series to begin with Sept. 17 forum

The Diversity Resource Office has announced a fall series of events to recognize and celebrate the importance of language in a multicultural society.  The theme is a response to the United Nations declaration of 2008 as the "International Year of Languages," which spotlights languages as a critical aspect of identity and cultural diversity. 

The series is designed to inform and engage faculty, students, and staff across a range of topics pertaining to linguistic diversity.

"Languages Matter at Purdue!" begins Wednesday, Sept. 17, with a multidisciplinary faculty forum, "Why Languages Matter in the Global University: A Multidisciplinary Faculty Forum for Exploring New Synergies." 

Scheduled 3-4:30 p.m. in Room 202, Stewart Center , the forum will explore the role of languages in the global university and provide an opportunity to forge new synergies. 

The forum will include remarks from a panel of Purdue faculty, as well as a talking circles component that will allow attendees to discuss key topics. 

The featured panel includes Luciana C. de Oliveira, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction; Riall Nolan, associate provost and dean of international programs, Titilayo A. Okoror, assistant professor of African American studies and health and kinesiology; Aparajita Sagar, associate professor of English; and Mariko Moroishi Wei, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures.  Rabindra Mukerjea, director of strategic planning and assessment for the office of the President, will moderate the forum. 

Faculty and administrators planning to attend the forum may RSVP to the Diversity Resource Office at 494-7307 or dro@purdue.edu.   

More information about the series and its events is online at www.purdue.edu/humanrel/dro/language2008.shtml