2007 world languages day at MSU

www.clear.msu.edu/wld Sessions offered from 10:30 am to 11:20 am

10:30 am - 11:20 am Globalization and your student's future This presentation will seek to uncover the many meanings of globalization, and provide a way to make sense of what is and is not changing in the world today. We will also examine ways to participate in the globalized world, and see how the acquisition of foreign language ability can help in that regard.

10:30 am - 11:20 am Russia and Russian today 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.

10:30 am - 11:20 am Israeli folk dancing: Rikudey Am (SESSION FULL) 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! 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 Atelier théâtre français (French Theater Workshop) (SESSION FULL) Discover the golden age of French drama in this interactive workshop on 17th-century comedy and tragedy. We will study and perform scenes and speeches from the hilarious comedies of Molière and the gripping tragedies of Racine. These two playwrights are to French theater what Shakespeare is to English theater, and their plays are still widely read and performed today. No acting experience is necessary, but this workshop is not recommended for absolute beginners of French.

10:30 am - 11:20 am Armavirumque Monstro: Life in the Imperial Roman Army (SESSION FULL) 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.

10:30 am - 11:20 am Let's learn Nihongo! 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.

10:30 am - 11:20 am 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 form of dance from the land of the pharaohs in this active session.

10:30 am - 11:20 am 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 more about MSU's 150-year history, and discover some of the reasons over 45,000 students chose MSU this year!

10:30 am - 11:20 am 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!

10:30 am - 11:20 am 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.

10:30 am - 11:20 am Your online recording studio: Multimedia made easy Learn how to use Viewpoint, a free online recording tool. Using the tool is as easy as pointing and clicking. Record audio and video, store your media clips online, and embed them in your web page, wiki or blog. Media can be created by teachers for students to use, or students can create their own video projects as a class project, which is incredibly motivating to language learners. Imagine the possibilities!

10:30 am - 11:20 am Assessing performance in the language classroom In this session we will review innovative assessment tasks that can be used for group oral assessment and for the evaluation of student improvement in writing. We will also review several rubrics for rating students' oral and written production and discuss what raters need to know in order to use them. We will also review some techniques for actively involving students in the evaluation of their own speaking and writing by looking at self-assessment techniques commonly used in Europe. We'll discuss how these can be implemented in the classroom here in the U.S.

10:30 am - 11:20 am 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 which ones as we answer why and even how they came to be in this engaging presentation about the history of the Spanish language.

10:30 am - 11:20 am A little bit of Michigan history - in English and Ojibwe! This session was inspired by my daughter, a 9 year old girl who wanted to share her Ojibwe heritage with friends. Her classmates didn't know any Ojibwe history and didn't realize it was still spoken in Michigan. So, with the help of the speakers in her family and community we created a lesson in two languages. We think it is one that anyone living in Michigan might enjoy. It is certainly one that proves that, although the language is called "endangered" by many, it is definitely still used!

Sessions offered from 11:30 am to 12:20 pm

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Whirlwind tour of language teaching methods This workshop will give teachers a whirlwind tour of language teaching methods starting with the earliest writings on foreign language instruction to current approaches. We will cover the strange and unusual models as well as approaches that underlie current thinking about how languages are learned and best taught. Throughout the tour, we will talk about how teaching methods were situated in time, reflecting the values and views of language and language learning of the historical period. Finally, we will examine each method with an eye toward identifying aspects that continue to be important in the language classroom today.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Atelier théâtre français (French Theater Workshop) Discover the golden age of French drama in this interactive workshop on 17th-century comedy and tragedy. We will study and perform scenes and speeches from the hilarious comedies of Molière and the gripping tragedies of Racine. These two playwrights are to French theater what Shakespeare is to English theater, and their plays are still widely read and performed today. No acting experience is necessary, but this workshop is not recommended for absolute beginners of French.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Southern Germany: Explore the wonderful world of Bavaria! Let's take a trip to Munich, "the world city with a heart"! Located in Bavaria, Munich is the home of the Hofbrau Haus, Oktober Fest, Germany's most modern soccer stadium, amazing shopping, beautiful architecture, castles and much much more! And the surrounding area has much more to offer than Sauerkraut, soccer and Schuhplattler. Find out what and pick up some German for survival along the way so you are sure not to miss any of the wonderful aspects of this beautiful region of Germany!

11:30 am - 12:20 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. There will be candy and prizes too!

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Let's learn Nihongo! 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.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Walk like an Egyptian: Modern Middle Eastern dance Shake off the doldrums! The ancient wonders of belly dance are yours for the twist of the hip. Explore the oldest known form of dance from the land of the pharaohs in this active session.

11:30 am - 12:20 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.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Out and about: A tour of MSU's campus 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 more about MSU's 150-year history, and discover some of the reasons over 45,000 students chose MSU this year!

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Communicating across cultures Command of a language alone isn't enough to communicate successfully across cultural boundaries. Awareness of some basic cross-cultural communication concepts, which will be presented in this session, can facilitate friendly interaction between individuals of different backgrounds. Learning a language is more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary!

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Language from The Lion King: Basic Kiswahili If you have watched the movie The Lion King, you have heard the phrase hakuna matata and words such as simba and rafiki. Did you know that these are Kiswahili words? Have you ever wondered what they mean? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then this is the right session for you! Please join us to learn the basics of Kiswahili, a language spoken in East Africa. You will learn how to greet, count, and use common phrases in Kiswahili. You will also have an opportunity to listen to the East African version of the 'hakuna matata' song.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm Beyond cappuccino and bruschetta So many food-related Italian words have become part of our daily experience that one would be hard pressed to find people who do not know what mozzarella is. But the contribution of Italian does not stop at the dining room table. Italian words are part of everyday vocabulary for musicians and visual artists. Let's take a look at them! Opera is an art form born in Italy. If you think you are not familiar with it and maybe not interested, two gifted School of Music students would like to give you a taste of it. Come and listen!!

11:30 am - 12:20 pm 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!

11:30 am - 12:20 pm 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 admisssion to the program and its distinctive features. The interactive presentation will cover the special benefits of HC membership including academic flexibility, scholarships, comprehensive advising, and undergraduate research opportunities. Students, parents, and teachers are welcome!

11:30 am - 12:20 pm globalEDGE: Your Source for Global Business Knowledge http://globalEDGE.msu.edu globalEDGE: Your Source for Global Business Knowledge is a knowledge web-portal that connects international business professionals worldwide to a wealth of information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities. Whether you use the site for class projects or homework or gathering information on a country that an acquaintance is traveling to, the site offers: Global Resources - more than 5,000 online resources Country Insights - a wealth of information on 197 countries News & Views - an interactive forum & latest issues in IB Academy - extensive research and teaching resources for faculty Diagnostic Tools - decision-support tools for managers and much more...

Sessions offered from 12:30 pm to 01:20 pm

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Pasadas y pasadas! Flamenco dance basics 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.

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm What's it really like in the Peace Corps? 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.

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Schiffe versenken: Fun ways of practicing German grammar and vocabulary (SESSION FULL) Why memorize vocabulary lists when you can play games? Lots of language learning can be done through fun activities - come to this session and try it for yourself! This session will implement various games like Schiffe versenken, Stadt-Land-Fluss and others to practice basic German grammar and vocabulary. Join us for 50 minutes of fun!

12:30 pm - 01:20 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!

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Speaking proficiency: A framework for assessment How well do your students speak the language that they are studying? Do they speak better than they did last year? How do you know? This presentation looks at the most well-known definitions of speaking proficiency and provides suggestions for teachers to assess the progress of their students. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency framework along with the associated scale and rating criteria are introduced. Examples of each major proficiency level are provided, with the aim of enabling teachers to determine the actual progress their students make in learning to speak the foreign language being studied.

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Meuf, teuf, keuf: parler à l'envers avec Verlan Do you ever wonder if French people really talk like the book says? A fun lesson in Verlan (a major component of suburban French) will be followed by movie and music excerpts. Don't miss your chance to discover current French slang... and erase 'la boume' and 'zut alors' forever from your vocabulary.

12:30 pm - 01:20 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.

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 more about MSU's 150-year history, and discover some of the reasons over 45,000 students chose MSU this year!

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Bollywood dreams: Discover India through Hindi cinema Did you know that India makes about 800-900 films per year? In this session, you're invited to take a serendipitous journey through India's thriving Hindi film industry. You'll learn how audio-visual media like film are incorporated into Hindi language classes. There will be an introduction to Bollywood and an opportunity to view several film scenes. In these, Indian movie stars croon and swoon and sway in elaborately choreographed song-and-dance routines, the dazzling hallmark of Indian films!

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Discover Korea 안녕하세요! Annyeonghaseyo! Come and join us to find out more about the land of the morning calm. You'll have fun learning about Korea and learning a bit of the Korean language, and exploring this dynamic culture. Get your Korean name card, play games, and become attracted to this country! You'll love it!

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Laughing in Spanish, sounding Russian or Chinese (SESSION FULL) If you can pronounce Spanish words then for sure you can learn how to say deodorant in Japanese, bus in German or detective in Guarani. Come and laugh at some jokes that, though in Spanish, resemble other languages. Find out how some (non politically-correct) Spanish speakers describe themselves and others by using funny hyperbolic comparisons. Culture and language in one spot!

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm Turkey: A country of ancient civilizations A country of sun and history, Turkey straddles the point where Europe and Asia meet. It is located where the three continents making up the "old world," (Asia, Africa and Europe)are closest to each other. Because of its geographical location, the mainland Anatolia has witnessed the mass migration of diverse people shaping the course of history. Home to countless civilizations, Anatolia has developed a unique blend of cultures -- each with its own distinct identity, each linked to its predecessors through history. As an ancient land and modern nation, Turkey today holds and protects the common past of all people. In this session, you will have a chance to see clips of Turkey, Istanbul, Whirling Dervishes, and you will learn more about the cultural aspects of Turkey.

12:30 pm - 01:20 pm A career of teaching Italian Edward Boucher has spent a large portion of his long career teaching Italian to Americans. While living in Italy, he discovered that American students are notorious for being the most challenging group for Italian teachers. Why is this? Come hear the special problems associated with teaching and learning Italian for Americans. This talk will be spiced with anecdotes from Mr. Boucher's diverse background--teaching English in Italy, teaching Italian in the U.S., as well as working in international business in the automotive industry and for the U.S. government abroad!

Sessions offered from 01:30 pm to 02:20 pm

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.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Irish Dance: Past, Present and Future (SESSION FULL) 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 part of the workshop will teach participants to dance a traditional Irish jig!

01:30 pm - 02:20 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!

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Understanding Middle Eastern culture (SESSION FULL) In this session, current MSU students from various Muslim nations will discuss their diverse cultures. You will visit different stations to learn about daily life for men and women in a Muslim society, and have a chance to ask questions. Come with an open mind to this lively session - discuss religious diversity and engage in direct conversations instead of just learning about Islam from the media.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Yookoso! Welcome to Japan (SESSION FULL) What do you know about Japan? Ninja? Anime? Play Station? This session will give you an opportunity to learn about Japanese language and culture through games. You will also enjoy writing your name in Japanese and doing origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan: Neighbors across the Caspian Sea What do you know about these Central Asian countries? Odds are, not much. Come to this session to learn more about these fascinating languages and cultures. Azerbaijan's history dates from 1501, when Shah Ismail Safavi, the founder of Turkic-speaking Safavid Shiite dynasty, crowned himself as the Shah of Azerbaijan. More recently, the country re-established its independence in 1991, upon the collapse of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijani is a Turkic language, closely related to Turkish and also historically influenced by Persian and Arabic languages. 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.

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 more about MSU's 150-year history, and discover some of the reasons over 45,000 students chose MSU this year!

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Yucatec Maya: The Language of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (SESSION FULL) Yucatec Maya is an indigenous language spoken by about 800,000 people in the south of Mexico. It is also the language in which Mel Gibson filmed his latest movie. Come and learn some basic expressions and words in Yucatec Maya, while learning about the rich, historical culture of the Mayan people.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Foreign languages & your career: Recognizing your skills in a global context (SESSION FULL) For students considering study of a foreign language, one of the most common (and often most troublesome) questions is "What are you going to do with THAT?" Studying a foreign language can be an asset in almost any field; however, for those interested in direct application of their language, getting the facts straight is one of the first steps in career planning. Come to this session to learn how to separate the truth from the myths of what studying a foreign language means for a future career!

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Explore Chichewa, a language from the "Warm heart of Africa" Tiphunzire Chichewa! Come to a 50 minute session to learn about the Chichewa language, spoken by over 15 million people in East, Central, and Southern Africa. This beautiful Bantu language is mostly spoken in Malawi, parts of Mozambique (Tete and Niassa), Zambia (Eastern Province), and Zimbabwe. You will watch some Malawian cultural dances, and learn Chichewa greetings and some basic expressions!

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Next-generation interactive web pages: Mashups We've all been there: there's a video clip here, a photo there, a chunk of text somewhere else. If you could only put them together in one place, it would be a fantastic learning resource. Mashups do just that. You can take a video clip from YouTube, add some text to provide context or instructions, and create an interactive language exercise based on the clip. CLEAR's mashup tool lets you put them all together in one web page. Better yet, have your students create a mashup to demonstrate what they know. It's fast, easy, and doesn't require any special knowledge or programming. Best of all, it's free!

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Considering MSU? How to apply to MSU and finance your college education Michigan State University 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 (and junior high school) students? These and other questions will be answered during this session. The belief that a college education at a top quality university is within reach only to those students whose parents can afford to pay their cost is no longer an issue. 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. Let us give you the knowledge you need to ensure you receive the maximum aid you are entitled to.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Tae Kwon Do/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.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Around the world in 80 words! (SESSION FULL) Travel around the French-speaking world in 80 words! This presentation will explore the diversity of Francophone cultures, considering French words and expressions from every continent.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm Culture and language learning through children's and teens' films in Spanish El uso de peliculas en espanol facilita la ensenanza de la cultura y lengua en el salon de clases, ya que la imagen y sonido, apoya y complementa la escritura y lectura del espanol. A traves de filmes autenticos del mundo hispano dirigidos al publico infantil y juvenil, los maestros pueden agregar diferentes actividades culturales y de lenguaje a su plan de clase del dia o de la semana.

01:30 pm - 02:20 pm The National Security Agency Intrigued by the NSA? Interested in learning about the use of foreign languages to produce intelligence? Join us while we give an overview of the National Security Agency, discuss foreign language careers, and provide an overview of the many student programs and scholarships available.

Sessions offered from 02:30 pm to 03:20 pm

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Study abroad: The real story! (SESSION FULL) Did you know that MSU leads the nation in study abroad? MSU offers over 200 study abroad programs to every continent of the world. Join us for a discussion about MSU students' experiences studying abroad. We'll hear from students who have lived and studied in a variety of countries. You'll 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 some of the cool projects they did. You'll also learn how studying abroad changed the direction of their studies and careers, in some cases! Materials from MSU's Office of Study Abroad will also be available.

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 Learn how to talk to a billion people: An introduction to Mandarin Chinese (SESSION FULL) Is Chinese hard to learn? Not really! Though English and Chinese sound very different, the principles governing these two languages are similar. This session is intended to introduce this exotic language from the perspective of those who speak English. Specifically, we will discuss the differences and similarities between English and Chinese in terms of the writing systems, sound inventories, and word orders. We will also discuss the notions of language, dialect, and accent. Some fun exercises are designed for attendees to get a taste of what Chinese sounds like.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Irish Dance: Past, Present and Future (SESSION FULL) 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 part of the workshop will teach participants to dance a traditional Irish jig!

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 more about MSU's 150-year history, and discover some of the reasons over 45,000 students chose MSU this year!

02:30 pm - 03:20 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 Mexico! We will prepare them before your very eyes! Experience these and other treats.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Arabic as an economic and spiritual language An advocate for learning languages, Malcolm X once said "...I have already begun studying Arabic, which I think is going to be the most powerful spiritual language of the future." Arabic is a language rich in culture, spoken by over 200 million and sacred to over 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world. By trying Arabic in this session you will gain insight into the culture, heritage and religion of the Arab world. This language could give you a chance to travel and work in the birthplace of civilization and cradle of the three major monotheistic religions - and the location of 2/3 of the world's oil reserves. Come and revisit words you already know, but this time in their original language: Arabic.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Bangla: The sixth most spoken language in the world Bangla (sometimes called Bengali) is the language spoken in the tiny country of Bangladesh - the land of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Over 146 million people live here in a space a little smaller than Iowa. This nation is so proud of its language that it was one of the main reasons they fought for independence! Come learn a bit of Bangla: greetings, songs, and the alphabet.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Teaching challenging grammar topics: Some hints for what works and why Some grammar points are notoriously more challenging for teachers to teach and more difficult for students to learn than others. This presentation will give some principles that can help teachers with the introduction of new and challenging material. It will also explain the rationale behind such an approach to grammar teaching and explore why students tend to respond positively, both in class and in terms of retention. While the presentation will be in English, examples will be taken from French and applications to other languages will be made.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Unveiling Japanese culture (SESSION FULL) What do you want to know about Japan? Come and join the MSU Japan Club as they unveil Japanese culture. You will be learning simple conversations in Japanese, feel the culture, and even taste some of the traditional food!

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Nollywood: Exploring new dimensions of Nigerian and African culture through film You've got "Hollywood", "Bollywood" and now "Nollywood": Yes, Nigeria now has the third largest (after the US and India) film-video industry in the world! How come? How so? Well, learn about dynamic transformations in Nigerian - and African (Nollywood's biggest market)- culture by attending this session.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Considering MSU? How to apply to MSU and finance your college education Michigan State University 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 (and junior high school) students? These and other questions will be answered during this session. The belief that a college education at a top quality university is within reach only to those students whose parents can afford to pay their cost is no longer an issue. 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. Let us give you the knowledge you need to ensure you receive the maximum aid you are entitled to.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm Discovering the Portuguese language Would you like to learn how to say your name in Portuguese? How to introduce yourself in Portuguese? A few helpful phrases in Portuguese? Then come to this session and discover the beauty of the Portuguese language and its importance in today's world. Also learn how many countries around the world have Portuguese as their first language and how many include it among their spoken languages. You'll be surprised at the large number of Portuguese speakers around the world. Give yourself the opportunity to discover the Portuguese language, learning some words and phrases, and having fun at the same time.

02:30 pm - 03:20 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.

02:30 pm - 03:20 pm You mean they speak more than Spanish in Spain? O galego e o mundo máxico de Galicia (SESSION FULL) Did you know that Spanish is not the only language spoken in Spain? In this session we'll explore the unfamiliar northwestern region and the autonomous community of Galicia, its language o galego, and some of its fascinating culture that will have you asking, "But what about the bullfighters and the Flamenco dancers?" So, if you're ready for bagpipes, traditional song and dance, join us for a trip to A miña terra galega, o mundo das meigas e gaiteiros!!