The following sessions will be offered at World Languages Day 2008. Over the next two weeks, we will be adding even more sessions, so check back periodically to see the latest offerings. Sessions will be finalized by mid-February.
Note: Teachers and parents are welcome to attend "student" sessions.
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| Sessions offered from 10:30 am to 11:20 am | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Viel Spass! Have fun while improving your German (SESSION FULL) Would you like to improve your German grammar skills? Do you like to have fun? If you answered both of these questions with yes, join us for this interactive German session. We will play various paper and technology based games to practice and deepen your German language skills and your cultural knowledge. Be prepared to have fun! | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Israeli folk dancing: Rikudey Am Israeli folk dancing has its roots in Biblical times. Most of today's folk dances are set to popular Israeli music. In recent years Greek, French, Turkish, Latin, and American rock have influenced modern Israeli dance. Experience Israeli culture, dance with us and enjoy the music! | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Try Thai! (SESSION FULL) Come to this session and learn more about the Thai language, which is spoken by over 60 million people. You will learn how to write your name in Thai, count, and even sing a Thai song! Please join us and find out how beautiful (and challenging!) the Thai language is. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Considering MSU? How to apply to MSU and finance your college education Hear from representatives from both Admissions and Financial Aid! MSU has been educating students for over 150 years. How does our current undergraduate admissions process work? If you were to choose a major in linguistics or a language, would that affect your review process? What are some general college planning tips for current high school students? These and other questions will be answered during this session. Financing your education through a combination of grants, scholarships, work and loans means that every student who desires an education can make that desire a reality. You will also learn how you may use this aid for study abroad. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am "Les chaussettes de l'archi-duchesse": Pronunciation fun in French (SESSION FULL) Loosen up your larynx and vibrate those vocal chords as you improve your French pronunciation through tongue twisters, poems, and some very strange fairy tales. Discover why the socks of the Arch-Duchess are extremely dry ("les chaussettes de l'archi-duchesse sont archi seches") and what the Mot d'Heures Gousse-Rames are. Remember: everything sounds better in French! Accessible to all learners of French including absolute beginners. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Cross-cultural understanding and the high school student exchange experience Cross-cultural understanding is enhanced by any experience that allows a student to live in another culture and see that culture through the eyes and hearts of the people who live there. As a former high school exchange student to Germany (and host mom to many exchange students from around the world), the speaker will discuss how YOU can be part of student exchange (outbound or inbound). The high school exchange experience allows the student to TRULY become part of a family and community in ways not available to college students and at a much more reasonable price. Learn how to set yourself apart before you enter college! | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Language and culture in the Arab world The presentation is designed to give participants information and new perspectives about the Arab world, its culture, and its people. The presentation will first solicit what participants already know about the Arab world, how they see it and what they may have heard about it. Then the presenter will demonstrate many aspects of today's Arab world, showing photos and explaining many different aspects of life including activities in schools, universities, malls, sports facilities and streets. We will also talk about the role of culture in shaping the Arab world, history, literature, poetry and music. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am A musical tour of Brazil (SESSION FULL) What do you know about Brazilian music? Have you ever heard of Samba, Bossa Nova or Brazilian Hip Hop? Brazilian music is known worldwide today and has a rich variety of genres and styles. Come to this session and you will learn about Brazilian culture through its music. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Bongoflava: Hip hop music of Swahili-speaking East Africa! (SESSION FULL) 'Bongoflava' describes the hip hop vibes that are currently pulsing through the East African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, where Swahili is spoken. In this session we will explore the boundaries between the Swahili and English languages through modern music and hybrid vocabulary. We will learn words that have come to English from Swahili, as well as popular phrases and sayings in Swahili that share many similarities with English. Participants will watch music videos and discuss the similarities between the portrayal of East African popular music artists and similar artists in America. At the end of the session, participants will receive a compilation of Swahili hip hop music to take home! | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am A taste of Korean language and culture (SESSION FULL) Do you think the Korean language is too "foreign" to learn? Do you think Korea is too far away, located almost halfway around the world? You will be pleasantly surprised once you taste the Korean language and culture in this session. Korean is a phonetic language like English, so it is easy to learn. In fact, you can read Korean in one or two weeks. Furthermore, Korea is not far from you. It is in your pockets, homes, garages, computers and everywhere, just in different shapes and forms. Come to this session to find out more! If you are interested in including Korean language and culture in your curriculum, courses are offered at MSU. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Rich Internet Applications: Work the Web Language learning should be an active process, and technology should be a facilitate active learning. Come to this session to learn about FREE tools for integrating rich media and interactivity into your language class. Create web-based materials that develop your students' speaking and listening skills. No programming is needed: if you can type, point and click, you can create web pages that put your students to work. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am The power of yoga (SESSION FULL) The practice of yoga began in India thousands of years ago. But how can yoga help you live a balanced life in the modern Western world? Find out about yoga philosophy (Astanga yoga), breath control (pranayama), meditation, chanting, and the ancient language of yoga -- Sanskrit. Learn more about yoga postures (asanas) and see a live demonstration of a flowing yoga sequence (vinyasa). Let's explore the power of yoga! | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am The Mis-education of the 'Negro' & You: Ebonics 101 (SESSION FULL) Ebonics is more than just slang! Ebonics, in fact, is so 'bad' that it gave birth to Hip Hop and rap! This session will focus on presenting some of the truth about languages, especially Ebonics, so that mis-education about this linguistic system can no longer hinder thoughts and action. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Aspiring world citizens wanted: A preview of the MSU Honors College The Honors College at MSU is one of the oldest and most unique honors programs in the country. Attend this session to learn about admission to the program and its distinctive features. The interactive presentation will cover the special benefits of HC membership including academic flexibility, scholarships, comprehensive advising, study abroad, and undergraduate research opportunities. Students, parents, and teachers are welcome! | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Tribal belly dance workshop (SESSION FULL) Grand Ledge High School's Arabic Dance Club, known as the Nile Tribal Dancers, are learning an ancient Middle Eastern tradition passed down and practiced by women all over the world. Contrary to western ideology, traditional belly dancing was not a dance of seduction, but an art practiced FOR women. Born in cultures where women must conceal themselves, belly dancing was used to honor women's beauty and grace and for relaxation after difficult daily chores. It was an opportunity for older women to teach grace and posture to the young girls, and for young girls to display their beauty and talent to mothers with marriageable sons. Nile Tribal Dancers practice a variety of ancient Middle Eastern dance styles. Their costumes are reminiscent of desert caravans and are made to emulate beautiful odds, ends, and scraps, traded or collected in markets during long "caravan journeys". They also embellish their costumes with traditional hand-made Toran Camel tassel belts to emphasize the percussive movements of their hips. Belly dancing is a women's art but men are also welcome to participate. Participants are welcome to bring belly dancing hip scarves or coin belts if they have them. Participants can use simple everyday head scarves to tie around their hips. | ||||||
| 10:30 am - 11:20 am Discovering the Portuguese language Would you like to learn how to introduce yourself in Portuguese? Or how to say helpful phrases in Portuguese? Then come to this session and discover the beauty of the Portuguese language and its importance nowadays. Also learn how many countries around the world have Portuguese as their first language or a common spoken language. You may be surprised at the large number of Portuguese speakers worldwide! Give yourself the opportunity of discovering the Portuguese language, learning some words and phrases, and having fun at the same time. | ||||||
| Sessions offered from 11:30 am to 12:20 pm | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Russia and Russian today (SESSION FULL) Speak Russian in 50 minutes! An introduction to basic spoken Russian to help you negotiate the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg (or New York!), followed by an overview of where Russian is spoken today. Play the “Name that famous Russian” game. | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Fashion and language throughout the centuries: A story from the heart of Europe Can you imagine yourself not wearing jeans and t-shirts but the heavy armor of a medieval knight or the coarse clothing from centuries ago? Though this session won't give you a chance to try any of these, instead you will have an opportunity to learn a bit of Polish culture presented in the context of fashion trends throughout the centuries. In addition, you will be encouraged to test your linguistic intuition by matching the rustling sounds, frequent in the Polish language, with their unusual literal representations like „prz", „ch", „cz", etc. All are welcome! | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Israeli folk dancing: Rikudey Am Israeli folk dancing has its roots in Biblical times. Most of today's folk dances are set to popular Israeli music. In recent years Greek, French, Turkish, Latin, and American rock have influenced modern Israeli dance. Experience Israeli culture, dance with us and enjoy the music! | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Chinese Zodiac and symbols (SESSION FULL) This presentation will give students a taste of Chinese language and culture. The most popular Chinese symbols will be discussed and the folk tale behind the Chinese Zodiac will be introduced. Participants will learn how to say the twelve-year cycle in Chinese and how to divine their futures from the zodiac. Come to the session and take part in the fun! | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm "Les chaussettes de l'archi-duchesse": Pronunciation fun in French Loosen up your larynx and vibrate those vocal chords as you improve your French pronunciation through tongue twisters, poems, and some very strange fairy tales. Discover why the socks of the Arch-Duchess are extremely dry ("les chaussettes de l'archi-duchesse sont archi seches") and what the Mot d'Heures Gousse-Rames are. Remember: everything sounds better in French! Accessible to all learners of French including absolute beginners. | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Why learn languages? Top 10 reasons + how student exchange enhances language learning Language learning is enhanced by the student exchange experience. This presentation focuses on the top 10 ways language learning helps a student and details the experience of local students who have enjoyed this. As a former high school exchange student to Germany (and host mom to many exchange students from around the world), the speaker will discuss how YOU can be part of student exchange (outbound or inbound) through Youth For Understanding, one of the world's largest and most respected exchange organizations. Learn how to set yourself apart before you enter college! | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Why study Arabic? This session will focus on exploring answers to the main session topic question "Why study Arabic?" through engaging students in an interactive discussion to address more essential questions related to the importance of learning Arabic. Questions will include: - What are the main features of the Arabic language? - Who speaks Arabic? - Where is Arabic spoken? - How is Arabic written? - What English words come from Arabic? - What are some dialects of the Arabic language? The presenter will teach students a few Arabic greetings, and will introduce great opportunities at Michigan State University for studying and advancing Arabic language skills. | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Recent French films and French slang In this presentation, participants will watch several video clips of recent French films such as The Three Brothers. Based on these clips, students will learn a variety of everyday French expressions. Foreign languages can not be learned from a textbook alone - French slang represents an important aspect of the language and culture, so come and learn some of the latest phrases. Your French teacher will be amazed! | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Bongoflava: Hip hop music of Swahili-speaking East Africa! 'Bongoflava' describes the hip hop vibes that are currently pulsing through the East African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, where Swahili is spoken. In this session we will explore the boundaries between the Swahili and English languages through modern music and hybrid vocabulary. We will learn words that have come to English from Swahili, as well as popular phrases and sayings in Swahili that share many similarities with English. Participants will watch music videos and discuss the similarities between the portrayal of East African popular music artists and similar artists in America. At the end of the session, participants will receive a compilation of Swahili hip hop music to take home! | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm A toy thousands of years old: The Chinese diabolo You've seen it in stage shows like the Cirque du Soleil. It was introduced to the west 800 years ago. Chinese children have been playing it for thousands of years. Come see the Chinese Diabolo in action, and try it for yourself. Learn the basics of the traditional Chinese toy in this hands-on session led by the Lansing Chinese School Diabolo Team. | ||||||
| 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Tae Kwon Do and self defense (SESSION FULL) Have fun learning the traditional Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. We will try some basic blocks, strikes, and kicks. We will also learn some practical self defense techniques. | ||||||
| Sessions offered from 12:30 pm to 01:20 pm | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Out and about: A tour of MSU's campus (SESSION FULL) Join us for a 50-minute tour of MSU's campus! See Spartans in their natural habitat, including the Red Cedar River, MSU's first-class main library, and various campus landmarks. Learn about MSU's more than 150 year history, and discover some reasons as to why over 45,000 students called MSU "home" this year! | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm The history of the Spanish language, from Arabic to the Americas Did you know that many words in Spanish came not only from Latin, but from Arabic as well as indigenious languages throughout the Americas? Come find out fun facts about the history of the Spanish language from its beginnings in the Iberic Peninsula all the way to the Americas, in this engaging presentation about the history of the Spanish language. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Understanding India through Hindi Though some may think of India as the land of snake charmers, mythologies, and mysticism, it is also increasingly becoming a land of opportunities. This is because it has been moving up steadily on the scale of development in terms of science and technology. Thus, it is changing life style patterns and setting up newer goals for Indian society in particular, and in general, is offering multiple research interests for global society. This session examines the role of languages, particularly Hindi, in the dynamic growth of societies in India and abroad. It also highlights why and how Hindi offers a wonderful glimpse into understanding one of the world's highly progressive cultures – full plurality and diversity, surviving the test of time. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm A tour of Ukraine in 50 minutes! Do you know anything about Ukraine? Would you like to learn more about it? How about learning some of the Ukrainian language? We will also introduce you to Ukrainian music, recipes (borshch, vareniki, golubtsi), famous people (Sheva, Klichko), and other fun stuff. And there will be Ukrainian candy! | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Our daily bread: What bread means for the French This presentation explains why bread is at the core of French culture. The many types of bread are presented through pictures and described in detail (shapes, flours, fillings, regions, etc.). The presentation addresses issues directly linked with bread such as food, of course, but also underlines the central importance of bread for French culture as seen in elements such as trust, industrialization, childhood memories, family time, becoming an adult, and many others. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Yookoso! Welcome to Japan (SESSION FULL) What do you know about Japan? Ninjas? Anime? Play Station? This session will give you an opportunity to learn about Japanese language and culture with games. You will also enjoy writing your name in Japanese and doing origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Ku zo mu koyi Hausa! Explore one of Africa's most widely spoken languages Have you ever wondered how to greet your friends and introduce yourself in an African language? Come join us to learn some basic introductions and greetings in Hausa, the most largely spoken language in West, West-Central and parts of Central Africa. Hausa is spoken mainly in Northern and Central Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Ghana, but is also used as a trade language throughout West Africa. It is also spoken in Chad, Central African Republic and the Sudan. Come learn some Hausa! Come learn about Africa! | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm A toy thousands of years old: The Chinese diabolo You've seen it in stage shows like the Cirque du Soleil. It was introduced to the west 800 years ago. Chinese children have been playing it for thousands of years. Come see the Chinese Diabolo in action, and try it for yourself. Learn the basics of the traditional Chinese toy in this hands-on session led by the Lansing Chinese School Diabolo Team. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Tae Kwon Do and self defense Have fun learning the traditional Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. We will try some basic blocks, strikes, and kicks. We will also learn some practical self defense techniques. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Tribal belly dance workshop Grand Ledge High School's Arabic Dance Club, known as the Nile Tribal Dancers, are learning an ancient Middle Eastern tradition passed down and practiced by women all over the world. Contrary to western ideology, traditional belly dancing was not a dance of seduction, but an art practiced FOR women. Born in cultures where women must conceal themselves, belly dancing was used to honor women's beauty and grace and for relaxation after difficult daily chores. It was an opportunity for older women to teach grace and posture to the young girls, and for young girls to display their beauty and talent to mothers with marriageable sons. Nile Tribal Dancers practice a variety of ancient Middle Eastern dance styles. Their costumes are reminiscent of desert caravans and are made to emulate beautiful odds, ends, and scraps, traded or collected in markets during long "caravan journeys". They also embellish their costumes with traditional hand-made Toran Camel tassel belts to emphasize the percussive movements of their hips. Belly dancing is a women's art but men are also welcome to participate. Participants are welcome to bring belly dancing hip scarves or coin belts if they have them. Participants can use simple everyday head scarves to tie around their hips. | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Irish dance: Past, present and future Come explore Irish dance, from its deep roots in Ireland to its worldwide popularity today. You'll learn about solo and ceili (group) dancing, the different types of dances and the music that accompanies them, the traditions behind the elaborate costumes, and even a few words in Irish. Find out what it's like to be a competitive Irish dancer today. The last half of the workshop will teach participants to dance a traditional Irish jig! | ||||||
| 12:30 pm - 01:20 pm German theatre games and skits In this session, you will observe famous actors in German movies and learn how they use voice and body language to promote their stories. Also, you will get the chance to do little skits yourselves based on your own ideas. The fun is supported by modern technology that allows immediate playback of the skits. Even if you don’t speak German, acting can easily bridge the language gap. For those of you who do speak German, the games will make want you to speak even more! | ||||||
| Sessions offered from 01:30 pm to 02:20 pm | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Out and about: A tour of MSU's campus (SESSION FULL) Join us for a 50-minute tour of MSU's campus! See Spartans in their natural habitat, including the Red Cedar River, MSU's first-class main library, and various campus landmarks. Learn about MSU's more than 150 year history, and discover some reasons as to why over 45,000 students called MSU "home" this year! | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Walk like an Egyptian: Modern Middle Eastern dance (SESSION FULL) Shake off the doldrums! The ancient wonders of belly dance are yours for the twist of the hip. Explore the oldest known forms of dance from the land of the pharaohs in this active session. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Love and respect: A Vietnamese tradition This session begins with some historical and linguistic background about Vietnamese and its sound and tone systems. Participants will learn different greetings in Vietnamese. The presenter will then discuss some vital Vietnamese traditions such as love and respect of family, using a folk tale called "The Areca Nut & the Betel Leaves" as an illustration of how these traditions form a backdrop for everyday life in Vietnam. If time permits, we'll even learn a song in Vietnamese! | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm You say tomAYto, I say tomAHto: A rough guide to British English (SESSION FULL) How did Britain and America become two counties separated by the same language? Where did the American accent come from (yes, you do have an accent!)? And do you want chips or crisps with your meal? Join an authentic Englishman for an introduction to the language of the British Isles and a discussion of the linguistic principles that make him regularly want to "call the whole thing off!" | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Michigan facts and fun - in English and Ojibwe! Find out what Tecumseh's name really means. Count the number of native nations here in our state. Learn the words for wolverine, bear, wolf and more. Minwendaagozodaa! (Let's Have Some Fun) speaking a language that is both ancient and modern, the original language of the Great Lakes - Ojibwe. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Making the most out of online translators A common concern among language teachers is that they cannot prevent their students from using online translators. This workshop illustrates ideas for explaining the misuse of translators, with amusing results, as well as ways to effectively exploit translators as a useful self-help tool. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Let's learn Nihongo! (SESSION FULL) Japanese is one of the most popular languages offered at MSU. Learning a non-western language like Japanese can be challenging, but it is also a stimulating and eye-opening experience. Come to learn how to greet people and introduce yourself in Japanese! We will also play fun games and learn a song in Japanese. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Songs from Latin America and Spain (SESSION FULL) Do you like music? Do you like Spanish and Latin American music? Come and learn songs in Spanish. You will practice pronunciation, learn new words, and have fun at the same time! | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm The women of Islam In this session, you will have the opportunity to hear from several Muslim women from different countries about how the roles of women have changed over the past decade. Please come prepared to ask questions as the majority of this session will be a Q and A time. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Why French? I don't want to be a teacher! (SESSION FULL) This session will enable people to interact with students at MSU who are majoring in French even though they do not want to be French teachers. Through their personal experiences, MSU students will show how French is enhancing their professional development and other opportunities. For instance, how can French help you get into law school? Or get an internship in the Governor’s Office? How about working for Amnesty International or other human rights organizations? Or becoming an international journalist, or a forensic expert? This can all happen with French! | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Teen-created Esperanto: An easy, fun language for the Global Village Our teen presenter, whose first language is Esperanto, will tell about games to play in the language, words to use with your friends at school, how to learn it and use it to meet youth all over the world. 120-year old Esperanto is the world's easiest language to learn, can be used in over 100 countries. It was said that Esperanto was a language waiting for computers to be invented. It has its own culture. Ne krokodilu! | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Armavirumque Monstro: Life in the Imperial Roman Army Through a first-person narrative of his life and experiences, Quintus Fabricius Varus (presenter David Smith) will take students, teachers, and parents on a journey back to ancient Roman times. He will present in both Latin and English. The training and daily life of a Roman legionary will be explored with some audience participation in marching drill and the use of reproduction equipment. No advanced knowledge of history or Latin is required. Attendees will gain an appreciation and a basic understanding of a common soldier's view of life in the first century A.D. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Sweden: From Viking raids to rap music (SESSION FULL) What do you know about Sweden? Do you think all Swedes are blond and tall? Are there other pop groups than ABBA? Is Pippi Longstocking really from Sweden? How about Ericsson, Saab and Volvo? Are there many Swedes in Minnesota? Come find out through a look at Sweden through the ages, from Viking raids to rap music. In this session, you'll get the answers about the stereotypes and everything else you did not know about Sweden. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Fussballfieber! The passion of club and international soccer in Germany (SESSION FULL) Interested in sports? What about the world's game: soccer? Come learn about the excitement surrounding Germans' favorite sport: Fussball! We will take a look at club soccer and the German national league (Bundesliga), as well as the German National Team (die Nationalelf) in international competition. This session will also offer a chance to improve your speaking, vocabulary and pronunciation of German. Students at all levels of German as well as beginners are welcome. | ||||||
| 01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Pasadas y pasadas! Flamenco dance basics (SESSION FULL) Sevillanas is one of the most well known dances in Spain. Sevillanas is believed to be an old Castilian folk dance (Seguidilla) and did not originate from Seville as its name suggests. It is a very popular dance for couples of all ages. You will see it danced frequently by girls in their colourful dresses at the time of the town's feria. This workshop will teach students some basic footwork and simple steps for Sevillanas and other common Spanish dances. Stop by and have a 'stomping' good time. | ||||||
| Sessions offered from 02:30 pm to 03:20 pm | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Out and about: A tour of MSU's campus (SESSION FULL) Join us for a 50-minute tour of MSU's campus! See Spartans in their natural habitat, including the Red Cedar River, MSU's first-class main library, and various campus landmarks. Learn about MSU's more than 150 year history, and discover some reasons as to why over 45,000 students called MSU "home" this year! | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Walk like an Egyptian: Modern Middle Eastern dance (SESSION FULL) Shake off the doldrums! The ancient wonders of belly dance are yours for the twist of the hip. Explore the oldest known forms of dance from the land of the pharaohs in this active session. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Dips and Salsa: Be the life of the fiesta while learning how to dance the salsa! This workshop will teach people with no previous experience the basics of several kinds of popular Latin dances such as Salsa, Merengue, and Cha Cha Cha. The instructor will demonstrate how dance fits in with having fun, dating and meeting people. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Silence is golden: A crash course in American Sign Language (SESSION FULL) American Sign Language is the third most widely used language in the United States. Predominantly used by Deaf people in America, it's also a great way to talk to your friends across a crowded room. Geared towards individuals that have never had any exposure to the language, we will be starting from scratch with the alphabet and some basic conversational phrases. By the end of the session, you will know just enough to introduce yourself, give some personal information, and then explain that you don't really know a whole lot of other sign language. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm You say tomAYto, I say tomAHto: A rough guide to British English (SESSION FULL) How did Britain and America become two counties separated by the same language? Where did the American accent come from (yes, you do have an accent!)? And do you want chips or crisps with your meal? Join an authentic Englishman for an introduction to the language of the British Isles and a discussion of the linguistic principles that make him regularly want to "call the whole thing off!" | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Michigan facts and fun - in English and Ojibwe! Find out what Tecumseh's name really means. Count the number of native nations here in our state. Learn the words for wolverine, bear, wolf and more. Minwendaagozodaa! (Let's Have Some Fun) speaking a language that is both ancient and modern, the original language of the Great Lakes - Ojibwe. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Teaching vocabulary for retention New words for students are often translated or defined in the margins. Some students try to memorize lists of words. Do these techniques work? Research has consistently shown that involvement with new words leads to their retention as opposed to simple translation and memorization. Sample fun vocabulary activities for illustrating this concept will be provided, and the needs of different levels of students will be addressed. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Do you speak African? No, I speak Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, Lontomba, Wolof, Sereer, Pulaar, Diool (SESSION FULL) This presentation will describe the personal language experience of two MSU students from Africa, one from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the other from Senegal. First, a brief description of the geo-linguistic situations of the two countries will be given, followed by a personal account of what languages they know and use in various situations. Finally, some proverbs, sayings, legends, and songs will be presented to reflect the importance of languages for communities. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Study abroad: The real story! (SESSION FULL) What happens when people stop living at home and start living abroad? MSU is a national leader in quantity and diversity of study abroad opportunities. This session will take a look at the real-life experiences of MSU students while studying or working in other countries. You will learn why they chose the programs they did, how they adapted to "culture shock," how they used the language(s) they studied before going, and of projects they undertook while abroad. For some students, study abroad experiences may have changed the direction of their life or career. Information from the Office of Study Abroad will be available. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm La pizza napoletana: The history and language of pizza (SESSION FULL) Have you ever wondered if the pizza we all know and love is the same as the real pizza, the pizza invented in Naples, Italy? Come and learn how to make your own delicious and all-natural pizza all’italiana, while learning the history of pizza making and basic cooking vocabulary. You’ll follow a recipe all in Italian and have some samples to taste. Buonissima! | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Teen-created Esperanto: An easy, fun language for the Global Village Our teen presenter, whose first language is Esperanto, will tell about games to play in the language, words to use with your friends at school, how to learn it and use it to meet youth all over the world. 120-year old Esperanto is the world's easiest language to learn, can be used in over 100 countries. It was said that Esperanto was a language waiting for computers to be invented. It has its own culture. Ne krokodilu! | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Spanish in Latin America (SESSION FULL) Did you know that palomitas and poporopo mean the same thing in Spanish? These two Spanish words both mean popcorn. Mexicans say palomitas but Guatemalans says poporopo. The word coche means car in Mexico but pig in Guatemala. Come and learn Spanish and its different forms in Latin America. From greetings to questions, you will experience the language and culture of Mexico and Guatemala. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Armavirumque Monstro: Life in the Imperial Roman Army Through a first-person narrative of his life and experiences, Quintus Fabricius Varus (presenter David Smith) will take students, teachers, and parents on a journey back to ancient Roman times. He will present in both Latin and English. The training and daily life of a Roman legionary will be explored with some audience participation in marching drill and the use of reproduction equipment. No advanced knowledge of history or Latin is required. Attendees will gain an appreciation and a basic understanding of a common soldier's view of life in the first century A.D. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm German music beyond Rammstein (SESSION FULL) Listen to different kinds of German music from Aerzte to Zweiraumwohnung. We will watch music videos from various German musicians who are or have been popular in Germany. You will complete fun and interactive activities in competition with other teams. Of course, you will learn some German, so that you can write and perform your own German rap (other musical tastes can be accommodated). In the end we will make our own “Hitparade” and compare our taste with that of the Germans! | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Culture and traditions of Uzbekistan The session is going to be about Culture and Traditions of Uzbekistan, a central state of Central Asia. Having the history of more than 10,000 years, Uzbekistan is a unique country that combines cultures of the East as well as the West. Discover something similar, and yet very different about Uzbekistan. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, which are more than 3,000 years old, traditional dances and cuisine, history and present of Sunshine Uzbekistan. | ||||||
| 02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Beyond falafel: Explore Lebanese cuisine and culture! Lebanese food combines the sophistication of European cuisine with the excitement of eastern spices, and it is Lebanon's culinary contributions that have been the greatest influence on modern Arabic cuisine. Dishes from Lebanon provide the framework for the exotic cuisine recognized internationally as “Arabic.” Come to this session, led by the owner of the mid-Michigan-famous Woody’s Oasis restaurants, and learn more about traditional Lebanese dishes. There are endless things you can do with yoghurt, cheese, cucumber, eggplant, chick peas, nuts, tomatoes, sesame, parsley, lemons, garlic, and more! As time allows, you'll also have a chance to learn about Lebanese music and traditional games such as backgammon. | ||||||
| Sessions offered from 03:30 pm to 04:20 pm | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Dips and Salsa: Be the life of the fiesta while learning how to dance the salsa! (SESSION FULL) This workshop will teach people with no previous experience the basics of several kinds of popular Latin dances such as Salsa, Merengue, and Cha Cha Cha. The instructor will demonstrate how dance fits in with having fun, dating and meeting people. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Portuguese in the world today (SESSION FULL) This presentation is designed to give a brief introduction of the current state of the Portuguese Language in the world today. The presenter will provide information on what countries have Portuguese as their official language, how many people speak it, some regional variants, some places where it is taught in the US, Portuguese communities in the US, etc. Emphasis will also be focused on the relevance of learning the language for any career students would like to follow in the future. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Silence is golden: A crash course in American Sign Language (SESSION FULL) American Sign Language is the third most widely used language in the United States. Predominantly used by Deaf people in America, it's also a great way to talk to your friends across a crowded room. Geared towards individuals that have never had any exposure to the language, we will be starting from scratch with the alphabet and some basic conversational phrases. By the end of the session, you will know just enough to introduce yourself, give some personal information, and then explain that you don't really know a whole lot of other sign language. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm What's it really like in the Peace Corps? (SESSION FULL) Have you ever wondered what it's like to go to a new country and live there for two years with just a little language and culture training? In this panel discussion, returned Peace Corps volunteers will talk about their experiences living and working in diverse world areas. They will discuss learning different languages, working with local people, and learning about other cultures. Questions from participants are welcomed! Peace Corps representatives will also be on hand to answer questions. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Muay Thai kickboxing: History and self-defense (SESSION FULL) Muay Thai Kickboxing has a history that dates back thousands of years. It has become one of the most powerful fighting systems in the world. Join one of Michigan's top Muay Thai Instructors, Daniel Smith, owner and head instructor of American Martial Arts and Fitness Academy in Lansing, MI. Mr. Smith will give a brief history of the art of Thai Kickboxing and then take you through some basic self-defense skills from Muay Thai. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Kazakhstan: Up-and-coming in Central Asia The Republic of Kazakhstan, the 9th biggest country in the world, is considered one of the fastest developing countries in the world. While the history of the Kazakh State starts in the 15th century and includes such events as the Mongolian conquest and the Russian Empire, the Republic of Kazakhstan became officially independent only in 1991. The Kazakh language has its roots in Persian, though while Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire the alphabet was changed from Arabic to Cyrillic script. Come and learn more about this up-and-coming country! | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Afro-Colombian Vibes (SESSION FULL) Did you know that about 26% of the Colombian population is afro-descendant? Thanks to their influence, Colombia (down there in South America) is the country of Cumbia and Carnival. Come and learn a bit about those Afrocolombians, sing Colombian hip-hop (in Spanish) with one of the hottest Afrocolombian musical groups of the moment, and dance to some easy steps of a typical Afrocolombian dance. Do not miss this opportunity to have fun while learning! | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Meals and food in Spain and Mexico (SESSION FULL) We will discuss mealtimes in Mexico and Spain. The significance of a shared meal in both countries is great. Come and learn what the difference is between a tortilla in España and a tortilla in México! We will prepare them before your very eyes! Experience these and other treats. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Journey to the East: Discovering China through the 2008 Summer Olympics (SESSION FULL) Come join us on an exhilarating ride to Beijing, host of the 2008 Summer Olympics! We will explore this ancient city as it gets ready to host the big event this summer. Learn survival Chinese to impress your friends as you watch your favorite events, and top it off by mentioning tidbits about local culture and Beijing's long and illustrious history. The five mascots of the Olympics, the fish, panda, fire, antelope and the swallow wish you 'Hao Yun' (Good luck) and will see you this World Languages Day. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm La pizza napoletana: The history and language of pizza (SESSION FULL) Have you ever wondered if the pizza we all know and love is the same as the real pizza, the pizza invented in Naples, Italy? Come and learn how to make your own delicious and all-natural pizza all’italiana, while learning the history of pizza making and basic cooking vocabulary. You’ll follow a recipe all in Italian and have some samples to taste. Buonissima! | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Language diversity in Indonesia: 742 distinct dialects! (SESSION FULL) There are around 300 distinct native ethnicities in Indonesia, and 742 different languages and dialects. This session will discuss the most commonly used languages in the community, focusing on how language use differs between generations. What language do young people use, and why? The relation of language choice to other aspects of life will also be discussed. Come and learn more about the languages of the world's fourth most populous country, made up of 17,508 islands! | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Remixing our world view: Using map mashing and other Web 2.0 technologies to study world cultures Map mashing and information remixing are two of the buzzwords associated with technology-enhanced learning. In this session we'll explore these concepts and discuss how they might be used to help us teach and think about world languages and cultures. Participants will learn about free tools available to create their own mashups and remixes for their classrooms. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Germany beyond Lederhosen (SESSION FULL) Ever heard of Flocke, Bionade, Til Schweiger, or Deutschland sucht den Superstar? German pop culture has much more to offer than Oktoberfest and sausage! Find out some interesting and fun facts about Germany, test your knowledge in Jeopardy, and learn enough survival German to keep you from getting stuck in the land of sauerkraut and soccer. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Turkey: The land where continents meet Turkey, the cradle of civilization for thousands of years, is home to the famous ancient trade routes of the Silk Road. Camel caravans, artisans and traders have journeyed across this beautiful land from the Orient to Europe bringing with them a fascinating blend of civilizations. This unique crossroads is exemplified by the art, folklore, architecture and traditions of the people of Turkey. Retrace these ancient trade routes; enjoy the magnificent palaces, churches and marvel at the excellent range of arts and traditional crafts that Turkey has brought to perfection over the centuries. Istanbul is the unique city in the world, built between the two continents: Europe and Asia. Displaying a perfect blend of the East and West, ancient capital of several Empires. It offers art, history, and a mosaic of cultures to travelers. This spectacular cultural tour of Turkey and the city of Istanbul, has been especially designed to experience the history, culture, diversity and color of the people of Turkey. Come to this very special cultural tour and witness the region of the land of extraordinary beauty and the cradle of many antique and renowned civilizations, in a relatively short space of time. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Beyond falafel: Explore Lebanese cuisine and culture! Lebanese food combines the sophistication of European cuisine with the excitement of eastern spices, and it is Lebanon's culinary contributions that have been the greatest influence on modern Arabic cuisine. Dishes from Lebanon provide the framework for the exotic cuisine recognized internationally as “Arabic.” Come to this session, led by the owner of the mid-Michigan-famous Woody’s Oasis restaurants, and learn more about traditional Lebanese dishes. There are endless things you can do with yoghurt, cheese, cucumber, eggplant, chick peas, nuts, tomatoes, sesame, parsley, lemons, garlic, and more! As time allows, you'll also have a chance to learn about Lebanese music and traditional games such as backgammon. | ||||||
| 03:30 pm - 04:20 pm Independent school activity with your teacher | ||||||
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