Signature Events
The World Languages and Cultures Department honors Mexican culture by celebrating the Annual Day of the Dead Festival each fall. Typically by the beginning of November, members of the community at large are invited to take part in this social event commemorating our departed loved ones in a very traditional way. Beautiful altars are intrinsically decorated, and everyone share delicious Pan de Muerto while enjoying live authentic Mexican performances. As an event open to all the public, people are invited to bring a portrait of their own passed relatives, friends, or pets to be honored in an interactive Día de Muertos altar. This event is also open to other cultures and traditions that may commemorate the afterlife in their own unique manner.
The World Languages and Cultures Department annually sponsors and organizes Chinese New Year Celebrations by delivering a series of Chinese cultural events in conjunction with the China Program Office in late January or early February. The cultural events last about one week and include Chinese New Year culture showcase, Chinese traditional music and dance performances, Chinese arts & crafts, Chinese martial arts, tea ceremony, and Chinese food workshops. It is a great opportunity for college students, Springfield K-12 students and Springfield communities to explore Chinese culture. All events are open to the public, please come and join us to celebrate Chinese New Year next year.
Our annual World Language Showcase helps your students make that transition from high school to college by bringing them to interact with language faculty and college students studying in world languages. There will be contests, proficiency activities, guest speakers and LOTS of languages.
Polyglot Hour
Every fall and spring semesters the Department of World Languages and Cultures organizes the Polyglot Hour, an informal gathering to promote cultural exchange and language competence. The event is open to any MSU student, faculty, staff, or community member interested in practicing their foreign languages. No minimum proficiency level is required (we welcome everyone, from novice learners to native speakers).
All meetings are monitored by WLC graduate students who are native or advanced speakers of languages such as Spanish, French, or German. No registration or notice is necessary. Coffee, cookies, and refreshments are provided. Come join us!
For questions, please contact Dr. Luciane L. Maimone at 417-836-5869.