FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 17, 2025
Feb. 17, 2025
Contact:
Josh Eilola, joshua.eilola@findlay.edu
419-434-5704
Josh Eilola, joshua.eilola@findlay.edu
419-434-5704
University of Findlay will Host International Mother Language Day
FINDLAY, Ohio – University of Findlay will host International Mother Language Day on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The event is free and open to the public and is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Center for Student Life and College of Business Building.
“The event will showcase the rich linguistic and cultural diversity on campus. UF students will present songs, poems, and dances representing various languages and traditions. Multilingualism and multiculturalism require effort to preserve,” said Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., associate professor of Japanese and director of modern language at the University of Findlay. “Without a safe and welcoming community, people may feel compelled to hide their languages and cultures.”
International Mother Language Day was established in 1999 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) to recognize and honor the world’s linguistic and cultural diversity, and to emphasize that multilingualism is essential for sustainable development. The event is celebrated globally on February 20, and has been observed every year for the past 24 years. The broader initiative of International Mother Language Day is to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people through the world.
For more information on the University of Findlay event, contact Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., at kawamura@findlay.edu.
“The event will showcase the rich linguistic and cultural diversity on campus. UF students will present songs, poems, and dances representing various languages and traditions. Multilingualism and multiculturalism require effort to preserve,” said Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., associate professor of Japanese and director of modern language at the University of Findlay. “Without a safe and welcoming community, people may feel compelled to hide their languages and cultures.”
International Mother Language Day was established in 1999 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) to recognize and honor the world’s linguistic and cultural diversity, and to emphasize that multilingualism is essential for sustainable development. The event is celebrated globally on February 20, and has been observed every year for the past 24 years. The broader initiative of International Mother Language Day is to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people through the world.
For more information on the University of Findlay event, contact Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., at kawamura@findlay.edu.
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About University of Findlay: Established in 1882 through a partnership between the Churches of God, General Conference and the city of Findlay, University of Findlay is known for excellence in its science, health professions, animal science, and equestrian studies programs, but also for cultivating the next generation of business leaders, educators, and innovative thinkers through a dedication to experiential learning in and outside of the classroom. With a mission to equip students for meaningful lives and productive careers, University of Findlay offers more than 85 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, and five doctoral degree programs. The University has an average annual enrollment of 3,500 students, which includes nearly 400 international students. The 403-acre campus includes an Animal Science and Western Equestrian Riding Complex, English Equestrian Riding Farm, All Hazards Training Center, and a 55-acre wetland to offer hands-on learning opportunities for all students. A proud member of the NCAA Division II Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), University of Findlay students compete as the Oilers on 22 men’s and women’s teams.
