February 13-21 | Wesleyan University | Fisk Hall
The Fries Center for Global Studies is thrilled to be hosting the seventh annual Power of Language Week! POL is a week of events in honor of the Bengali Language Movement, International Mother Language Day (also known as Ekushey February, which is celebrated annually on February 21st). To learn more about the Bengali Language Movement and Ekushey February from the perspective of a Bangladeshi Wesleyan student, please visit to the drop-down below. Power of Language Week seeks to highlight the environment of multilingualism on campus by bringing together speakers and learners of all languages at Wesleyan and hosting events that feature the following themes:
- Self-determination to preserve one’s mother tongue and one’s individual and collective multilingual identity
- Celebrate and foster equity, belonging, and diversity in language practice at Wesleyan
We strive to make Power of Language Week an opportunity to embrace all multilingual identities on campus through the exploration of our language community’s educational, personal, and cultural connections to language.
We welcome you to take part in this initiative! Held on Thursday, February 13th to Friday, February 21st, 2025, join us in celebrating Power of Language Week by showing us what language means to YOU! For any questions, please contact Thais García Bagué at tgarcia@wesleyan.edu.
Schedule of events:
- Thursday, February 13
- FLTA Carnival, 5-7pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
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Join the Foreign Language Teaching Assistants and FCGS staff to play some international games! Test your fine motor skills, strategy and language skills while enjoying snacks from all over the world!
- FLTA Carnival, 5-7pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
- Friday, February 14
- Korean Traditional Arts and Craft, 2:30pm-3:30pm, Woodhead Lounge
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Come join Wesleyan's Korean Student Association to experience traditional crafts and games. We will fold jongi-jeopgi (folding paper), have Korean snacks, and play gonggi (the game from Squid Game). There will also be an opportunity to learn how to write your name and other basic words in hangul, the Korean alphabet! - Samba Fest! 4:00pm-5:30pm, Movement House and Eclectic - 200 High St.
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Celebrating all things Samba - Black history, movement, Brazilian food and culture, Portuguese Language Study, and opportunities for Wes students to study in and about Brazil! - Chinese Mahjong Club, 5:30pm-7:00pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
Join us for a fun and interactive Chinese Mahjong Club event! Learn the basics of Mahjong, a traditional Chinese game of strategy and skill, while practicing your Chinese language skills in a relaxed and social setting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, come enjoy a game that brings people together across cultures. No prior experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm!
- Korean Traditional Arts and Craft, 2:30pm-3:30pm, Woodhead Lounge
- Saturday, February 15
- Behind the Pages: Dostoevsky, Bulgakov, Pelevin, 4:00pm-5:00pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
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Want to gossip about the lives of Russian writers? Alina will share the lore of 3 literary legends and discuss their influential texts. Tea with Russian candy will be offered for full immersion! - DeBí TiRAR MáS FOTos: Bad Bunny Album Listening Party, 7pm-9pm, La Casa de Albizu Campos - 240 Washington St.
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Bad Bunny's new album, DeBí TiRAR MáS FOTos, is a love letter to Puerto Rico and its people. This masterfully political album addresses the themes of gentrification and colonialism faced by the island while highlighting Puerto Rico's influence on musical genres like reggaetón, plena, and salsa. Join us to watch his album's accompanying short film, eat delicious Puerto Rican food, and learn about Puerto Rican history and culture through the music of el Conejo malo.
- Behind the Pages: Dostoevsky, Bulgakov, Pelevin, 4:00pm-5:00pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
- Sunday, February 16
- Reimagining Romania Beyond The Vampire Lore, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
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No, it’s not Russian with an Italian accent—or Italian with a Russian twist. It’s Romanian! The same language spoken by two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep and Golden Globe-winning actor Sebastian Stan. Join us for an engaging session where we uncover Romanian culture and its significant contributions to global science, sports, arts. Learn how to correctly pronounce famous Romanian names and a few phrases, brush up on your knowledge of Dracula, explore hidden gems of Romania, and enjoy some traditional snacks!
- Reimagining Romania Beyond The Vampire Lore, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
- Monday, February 17
- VSA Power of Language: Vietnamese 101 - Names and Food, 12pm-1pm, Fisk 121
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Have you ever had difficulty pronouncing a Vietnamese name? Or had trouble ordering your favorite dish at a Viet restaurant? Come to this two-part workshop organized by the Vietnamese Student Association to learn proper basic Vietnamese pronunciation and enjoy authentic Vietnamese snacks! - International Students in STEAM Information Station, 12:30pm-2:30pm, Exley lobby
Calling all international students and faculty in science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Come to our information station to share your advice for students in STEAM in your own language. We will also be on hand to take suggestions for an affinity group we hope to launch later this semester. We want to hear from YOU! - Global Engagement Opportunities for FIRST YEAR STUDENTS! 4:00pm--5:00pm, Fries Center for Global Studies - Fisk 201
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Students will be introduced to all the Fries Center for Global Studies Resources, with special focus on the GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT MINOR (GEM). The gateway course is limited to first semester sophomores, so students must apply to the minor during or shortly after their first year. - Wesleyan MCT Tutor Panel, 5pm-6:30pm, Usdan 104
Wesleyan Multilingual Community Tutors invites you to hear about what it's like to tutor multilingual learners (adults and children). We will have a panel discussing their experiences and we'll also discuss how to earn credit, pay (for work-study students), or just to volunteer. Feel free to bring your dinner from Usdan and hear more about the program. Snacks/Desert provided!
- VSA Power of Language: Vietnamese 101 - Names and Food, 12pm-1pm, Fisk 121
- Tuesday, February 18
- Indigenous Languages and Spanish Colonialism – a conversation with Valeria López Fadul on her new book, 4:30-5:30pm, Fisk 201
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In the sixteenth century, the conquest of the Americas exposed Spanish writers to previously unknown peoples and their many languages. The linguistic multiplicity of the new transatlantic empire presented enormous challenges both in terms of governance and religious conversion. Yet it also became a crucial resource for learning about the new territories' history, both natural and human. In The Cradle of Words, Valeria López Fadul reveals that Spanish scholars, missionaries, and administrators treated the empire's multiple tongues—both at home and abroad—as rich archives of local knowledge. Please join author Valeria López Fadul in a conversation about her new book! - Visiting Burundi and Zimbabwe at Wesleyan, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Fisk 208
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Exploring two parts of Africa with a similar language. Come learn Bantu languages through cultural songs and dances of Burundi and Zimbabwe.
- Indigenous Languages and Spanish Colonialism – a conversation with Valeria López Fadul on her new book, 4:30-5:30pm, Fisk 201
- Wednesday, February 19
- Language and Study Abroad: Q&A with the Study Abroad Ambassadors, 4:30pm-5:30pm, Fisk 201
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Curious about studying abroad on a language-immersion program? Come and ask the study abroad ambassadors any questions you have about living and learning in another language while abroad!
- Language and Study Abroad: Q&A with the Study Abroad Ambassadors, 4:30pm-5:30pm, Fisk 201
- Thursday, February 20
- The Global Language of Environmental Justice, 11:00am-2:00pm, Usdan Center Main Floor
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SSP Student Ambassadors will be tabling in Usdan on Thursday, 2/20 and Friday, 2/21 from 11-2 for Power Language Week! Students can stop by the table to learn about the language of environmental justice around the globe, plays games, and win prizes.
- ASL Karaoke and Poetry Night, 4:30pm-6:30pm, The Language and Culture Hub - Fisk 209
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All members of Wesleyan can come with their favorite songs and or poems and learn how to "gloss"/transcribe their song into ASL and get to perform it for the group! There will also be some fun games based around signing songs! - Noche de chocolate caliente y queso, 4:30pm-6:00pm, Romance Languages and Literarure Common Room - 300 High St.
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Join us for a Colombian snack! Come taste the traditional Bogotá treat: hot chocolate with melted cheese. Enjoy a fun time chatting, practicing Spanish with FLTAs and Spanish course colleagues, all while listening to cumbia music. Don’t miss out! - Tea and Samosas with ISAB! Learn more about International Mother Language Day! 5:00pm-6:00pm, Fisk 201
Come join ISAB to learn more about the significance of International Mother Language day! Food and drink will be provided from Haveli! - Scripts of the World, 6:00pm-7:00pm, Usdan 110
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Ever wondered how your name looks in Thai, Mongolian, Amharic, or Bulgarian? Join us for a fun event where international students from WISP and the Linguistics Club teach you how to write your name and basic words in their native scripts! Explore unique alphabets, learn something new, and take home a cool souvenir of your name written in languages from around the world. Swing by, have a snack, and celebrate the beauty of global languages! - Film Series: On Becoming A Guinea Fowl, 8pm-10:30pm, Goldsmith Family Cinema
- The Global Language of Environmental Justice, 11:00am-2:00pm, Usdan Center Main Floor
- Friday, February 21
- Open Discussion on Language, Identity and Migration: The Global Perspective of Hindi-Urdu, 12:15-1:15pm, Fisk 410
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Join us for an open discussion on the global perspectives of Hindi-Urdu while also celebrating the International Mother language Day.
- The Global Language of Environmental Justice, 11:00am-2:00pm, Usdan Center Main Floor
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SSP Student Ambassadors will be tabling in Usdan on Thursday, 2/20 and Friday, 2/21 from 11-2 for Power Language Week! Students can stop by the table to learn about the language of environmental justice around the globe, plays games, and win prizes. - Lost in Translation, 3:00pm-3:30pm, Fisk 201
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Lost in Translation focuses on words, phrases and concepts native to different global languages. We believe some words can not be translated accurately and aim to share our culture with others at Wesleyan by introducing words from our native languages we love! - Chinese Pronunciation Workshop, 4:00pm-6:00pm, Fisk 122
Want to improve your Chinese pronunciation and speak with confidence? Join the Chinese Culture Club for an interactive Chinese Pronunciation Workshop! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your tones, this workshop will help you master key sounds, tones, and common pronunciation pitfalls in Mandarin. Led by experienced speakers, the session will include fun pronunciation exercises, live practice, and helpful tips to perfect your spoken Chinese. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and connect with fellow language enthusiasts! - The Secret Language of the Mongols, 4:30pm-5:30pm, Fisk 210
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The Secret History of the Mongols is the oldest surviving literary work in the Mongolian language. This event will explore the Mongolian language and its history with an emphasis on the largest battles on the plains of Eurasia in the 13th century - International Student Talent Show, 7:30pm-10:00pm, Ring Family Hall
Join us for this Wesleyan tradition: we invite the international community to come share their amazing talents! From drumming, to singing, to dancing to rapping, if you can do anything creative - and if you just want to hang out. - Film Series: Parasite, 8pm-10:30pm, Goldsmith Family Cinema
- Open Discussion on Language, Identity and Migration: The Global Perspective of Hindi-Urdu, 12:15-1:15pm, Fisk 410
- Saturday, February 22
- Multilingual Karaoke Party, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Espwesso Cafe
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Bring your friends to sing your heart out in the languages you love! The Multilingual Karaoke Night is a great opportunity to flex your singing skills– and have free drinks from Espwesso! – with your friends and multilingual peers. We encourage singers of all languages to participate.
- Multilingual Karaoke Party, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Espwesso Cafe
- Sunday, February 23
- Kitchen Céilí and Friends: Traditional and Original Music from Ireland, North America, the British Isles, and India, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Crowell Concert Hall
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Formed in 1993, the core group of Kitchen Céilí includes Banjo/Mandolin/North Indian Vocal/Guitar Instructor Stan Scott PhD ’97; Dorothea Hast PhD ’94 on vocals, tin whistle and recorders; Sam Scheer on vocals, guitar and banjo; and George Wilson on vocals and fiddle. The songs and instrumental pieces in this concert were gathered over the course of some four decades of study, travel, composing, and collaborating in Ireland, England, India, and at home in New England. The repertoire includes driving reels, slow airs, and traditional and contemporary songs of lovers and laborers from the mountains of Donegal to the rivers of West Bengal.
- Kitchen Céilí and Friends: Traditional and Original Music from Ireland, North America, the British Isles, and India, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Crowell Concert Hall
- More on the Bengali Language Movement
The Bengali Language Movement began in East Pakistan, or East Bengal, after it was declared by the Pakistani government that Urdu, the language primarily spoken in West Pakistan, would be the only official spoken language, rather than their native Bangla. In a stand against cultural assimilation and linguistic oppression, citizens of East Bengal protested for the recognition of their Bangla language for five years. In 1952, it was once again reiterated by the Pakistani government that Urdu was the only official language, triggering more widespread protests held on February 21st across East Bengal. This movement continued for years and eventually gave rise to nationalist movements in East Bengal, leading to their declaration of independence on March 26. It would take a liberation war for Bangladesh to finally be independent in 1971. Decades later, the 21st of February was officially declared by UNESCO as International Mother Language Day.
In 2024, Rania Ahmed, a Wesleyan Class of 2026 student from Bangladesh, wrote the following about the Bengali Language Movement: "21st of February, or as said in Bangla, Ekushey February is a day of grief and mourning in Bangladesh. On this day, people normally wear black and white and walk to the national monument Shahid Minar, which commemorates the martyrs of the Language Movement. There is a special song for this day discussing the sacrifices made by those who fought against language suppression. The initiative for International Mother Language Day was put forth by Bangladesh which the UN General Assembly proclaimed in a resolution in 2002. This day now resolves to celebrate and preserve all languages around the world. 2008 was made the year of the International Year of Languages. Preserving and promoting education in all languages is of utmost importance and through multilingualism and multiculturalism, we can protect our diversity."
- Our Sponsors
This week of events is made possible with the support from many offices, centers, departments and organizations. We would like to express our greatest gratitudes to:
- Fries Center for Global Studies
- Center for the Arts
- College of East Asian Studies
- Department of Dance
- Department of English
- Department of German Studies
- Deparment of Global South Asian Studies
- Department of History
- Department of Romance Languages & Literatures
- Graduate Student Association
- Office of International Student Affairs
- Office of Sustainability
- Resource Center
- Shapiro Writing Center
- Student Academic Resources
- Power of Language Week Steering Committee
Thais García Bagué, Global Language and Outreach Fellow, tgarcia@wesleyan.edu, Committee Leader
Gabriela Berzinskas, Advisor, Office of Study Abroad, gberzinskas@wesleyan.edu
Jennifer Collingwood, Administrative Assistant, Fries Center for Global Studies, jcollingwood@wesleyan.edu
Anita Deeg-Carlin, Director of Intercultural Learning, adeegcarlin@wesleyan.edu
Elizabeth (Beth) Hepford, Assistant Professor of the Practice in TESOL, Education Studies, and English, ehepford@wesleyan.edu
Dari Jigjidsuren, Assistant Director of International Student Engagement, Office of International Student Affairs, jdari@wesleyan.edu
Morgan Keller, Director, Office of International Student Affairs, mkeller@wesleyan.edu
Emmanuel Paris-Bouvret, Director, Languages and Technology, eparis@welseyan.edu
Mira Seo, Provost's Distinguished Equity Fellow of Classical Studies, jmseo@wesleyan.edu
Khải Tran, Academic Support Coordinator, Office of Student Academic Resources, ktran01@wesleyan.edu
Anastasia Wright, Social Media Specialist, University Communications, adaniels@wesleyan.edu