Dr. Yamile Silva, Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, put it powerfully: “From the very first cry of a newborn to the last words whispered by an elder, language accompanies every moment of our lives. It is how we express love, resolve conflict, pass down wisdom, tell stories and make sense of a world that is often complex and uncertain. Language is not simply a tool for communication — it is the very fabric of who we are.”
Silva pointed out that “the study of world languages and cultures is not a luxury…It is one of the most urgent and practical investments a young person can make in their future — and one of the most meaningful contributions a university can make to the world…When you learn another language, you do not simply gain a new set of vocabulary words or grammar rules. You gain access to an entirely different way of thinking…You realize that the world is wider, and richer than you ever imagined…in that realization, something profound happens — you become a better thinker, a more empathetic human being, and a more effective citizen of the world.
Silva said, “Here at The University of Scranton, we take that mission seriously. Our Department of World Languages is not simply a place where conjugations are memorized and textbooks are studied…Our students take those lessons beyond the classroom — into study abroad programs, community engagement, research and careers that make a difference in the lives of others.
“Today’s celebration is a testament to that commitment. It is a reminder of why we do what we do.”
Special Thanks to WLC Instructors Who Contributed to the Event:
Mandarin Chinese – Professor Chih-Yi Wu, Taiwanese Government Chinese language instructor
Spanish – Professor Agustina Santivañez, Spanish language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from Argentina
Japanese – Professor Kazumasa Fujita, ALLEX Foundation Japanese language instructor
German – Professor Eva Grohs, German language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from Germany
Arabic – Professor Mohamed El Ghanam, Arabic language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from Egypt
Italian – Professor Franca Kelly, University of Scranton adjunct professor of Italian
American Sign Language (ASL) – Professor MaryAnn Stefko, University of Scranton adjunct professor of ASL
Russian – Professor Anastasia Maume, University of Scranton adjunct professor of Russian
French and General Linguistics – Dr. Amy Kuiken, Language Learning Center coordinator
With support from the World Languages and Cultures full-time faculty:
Dr. Yamile Silva, chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures
Dr. Marzia Caporale
Dr. Virginia Picchietti
Dr. Habib Zanzana
Local High Schools Attending the Event:
Dallas
Honesdale
Lakeland
Old Forge
Riverside H
Scranton
Valley View
Wallenpaupack
Western Wayne
West Scranton