World Languages and Cultures
Festival of Languages, Cultures, and Ideas
The Festival of Languages, Cultures, and Ideas brings together all the members of the CSUMB community to celebrate our connections in a global world and emphasize the value of cultural diversity.
.png){kind=logo}
FLCI 2024 Speaker Series
The 2024 FLCI Speakers Series events were recorded and are available for viewing.
View Madoka Hammine, Ph.D., "What about intersectionality? An Experience of Language Reclamation in the Ryukyus (Okinawa, Japan)”
View the 2024 FLCI and AATSP presentation by Adolfo González and Anne Fountain, Ph.D., "Indigenous America in our Community and in the Spanish Classroom."
FLCI–Indigenous America in our Community and in the Spanish Classroom
WLC, in conjunction with American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese (AATSP) Northern California Chapter, welcomes special guest speakers, Adolfo González and Anne Fountain, Ph.D. who will discuss Indigenous America in our Community and in the Spanish Classroom at the Sixth Annual Festival of Languages, Cultures, and Ideas on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm in the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library, Room 1188 and on Zoom at https://csumb.zoom.us/j/84379340891 Presentations will be in English and Spanish.
Adolfo González, CSU Monterey Bay Alumni
The Life of Adolfo Gonzalez: A Story of Tenacity
As an indigenous Zapotec child from Oaxaca, Mexico, I dreamed of obtaining a good education and breaking the cycle of poverty in my family. After many years of fighting and suffering, I made the difficult decision to emigrate to the United States, where I worked in agriculture, in the fields of Salinas, California. Here, I learned English as a third language at the Salinas Adult School, obtained my high school diploma, and later studied Spanish at CSUMB, where I graduated with honors.
Anne Fountain, Ph.D, Professor Emerita at San José State University
Indigenous America in the Spanish Language Classroom
Indigenous populations from the American continent belong to its future. Indigenous communities today (Zapotec Aymara, Mapuche, Mayan, speakers of Quechua, and many more) that are descendants of the first settlers of the hemisphere play an important role in many countries including the United States. It is essential that we value their contributions.
The School of World Languages and Cultures strives to make events accessible for all. For additional information or accommodation requests, please email wlc@csumb.edu.
FLCI 2024 Speaker: Indigenous languages in the Ryukyu Islands
FLCI 2024 Speaker
Dr. Madoka Hammine "What about intersectionality? An Experience of Language Reclamation in the Ryukyus" in TAFL, Room 1180, on March 7, 4:30-6:30 pm.
Event registration
Abbreviated Abstract
The silencing of Indigenous languages has been part of assimilative efforts to suppress Indigenous cultures and deny Indigenous knowledge. Colonial and postcolonial language policies have resulted in many people feeling a loss of self-worth and pride. This talk focuses on analyzing current language reclamation and revitalization efforts in different islands in the Ryukyus, an archipelago to the south-west of Japan.
Bio
An Associate Professor for the Faculty of International Studies in Meio University, Japan, Dr. Hammine earned her Ph.D. at the University of Lapland in Finland, where she researched minoritized (endangered) language education in two contexts of Indigenous languages in Finland and in Japan. Dr. Hammine is also a member of Ryukyuan Heritage Language Society, works in the content management section for GCLR (Global Coalition for Language Rights) and serves as a member of the General Council for Endangered Language Project.
Full Abstract
The silencing of Indigenous languages has been part of assimilative efforts to suppress Indigenous cultures and deny Indigenous knowledge. Colonial and postcolonial language policies have resulted in many people feeling a loss of self-worth and pride. Reclaiming Indigenous languages is thus an important means towards combating colonial and postcolonial legacies, and is thus in principle a decolonising activity.
The Ryukyu Islands are an archipelago to the south-west of Japan. The Ryukyuan language family consists of at least five distinct languages (Amamian, Uchinaaguchi/Okinawan, Miyakoan, Yaeyaman, Dunan/Yonaguni). Linguists have documented different varieties of Ryukyuan and none of these Ryukyuan languages have been officially standardized. Due to an assimilation program by Japanese government following annexation of Ryukyu Kingdom to Japan in the late 19th century in the name of ‘national unity’ as well as subsequent interiorization of Japanese identity by Ryukyuan people.
In epistemologies of the global North (which include Western and mainstream Japanese approaches), multilingualism, especially in minoritised languages, is frequently seen as a problem. This presentation seeks to turn this perception round, echoing the framework of Ruiz (1984) in moving from a problem-oriented view of multilingual practices towards viewing language reclamation as a right, and the ability to speak Indigenous languages as a resource that can benefit speakers and their communities. Currently there have been movements and efforts to standardize, revitalize, and reclaim these languages both in informal and formal regional educational contexts and new speakers of these languages are emerging. In this presentation, I focus on analyzing current language reclamation and revitalization efforts in different islands in the Ryukyus. I seek to answer questions: how can we encourage equitable relationships, Indigenous empowerment, intergenerational and gender justice? How can we put the Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous participants, and Indigenous researchers at the centre?
2023 Theme: Local and Transnational Communities: Building the Future Together in a Globalized World
2023 Schedule at a Glance
Thursday, March 9, 2023
| Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fábrika T-shirt Screen Printing Workshop - 'free T-Shirt' | VPA Bldg 70 | 9-11 am |
| Keynote: Steven Pifer, Russia's War on Ukraine | World Theater | 11 am-12 |
| Cultural Tabling and Performances | Main Quad | 12-2 pm |
| Ana Luengo, Remembering the Spanish Civil War: The Culture as a Challenge | World Theater | 3-4 pm |
| Writing en español: A Reading and Conversation with 3 Authors | World Theater | 4-5 pm |
| Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Panel Discussion | World Theater | 5:30-6:30 pm |
Friday, March 10, 2023
| Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Tea Ceremony | Student Center B12, West Lounge | 1:30-3:30 pm |
| Music & Performances at World Theater | 4-8 pm | |
| Reception |
World Theater |
4-4:30 pm |
| Shorinryu Karate Kata with Daniela Setka |
World Theater |
4:30-4:45 pm |
| MPA and WLC Music Sessions | World Theater | 5-6 pm |
| Cuarteto León (Cuban Music Group) | World Theater | 6-7 pm |
| Watsonville Taiko & Shinsho-Mugen Daiko | World Theater | 7-8 pm |
Acknowledgments
The School of World Languages and Cultures extends our appreciation for the partnership and interdisciplinary engagement from across the campus, including: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS); Computing and Design (CD); Humanities and Communication (HCOM); International Programs (IP); Music and Performing Arts (MPA); Social, Behavioral, and Global Studies (SBGS); Visual and Public Art (VPA); the World Theater; the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability; the Student Disability and Accessibility Center; and CSUMB Special Events Funding.
FLCI 2023 Guest Speaker, Performance, and Presentation Information
Keynote: Russia's War on Ukraine: Background, Course and Implications
Ambassador Steven Pifer
Thursday, March 9th, 11:00-12:00 pm
Keynote: Russia's War on Ukraine: Background, Course and Implications
Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine has now entered its second year. This talk will examine the background to the war and the factors that led to the Kremlin's decision to launch an all-out assault on Kyiv. It will also cover the different phases of the conflict over the past year and address implications, including how the fighting has affected issues of national identity and culture within Ukraine.
Bio
Steven Pifer is an affiliate of Stanford's Center for International Security and Cooperation as well as a non-resident senior fellow with the Brookings Institution. His interests are nuclear arms control, Ukraine, Russia and European security.
A retired Foreign Service officer, Pifer’s more than 25 years with the State Department included assignments as deputy assistant secretary of state with responsibilities for Russia and Ukraine, ambassador to Ukraine, and special assistant to the president and senior director for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia on the National Security Council. He also served at the U.S. embassies in Warsaw, Moscow and London.
Faculty facilitator Dr. David Vila Diéguez
Fábrika T-shirt Screen Printing Workshop
The VPA-lead screen printing workshop features a 2023-themed image created by CSUMB's Mya Densley printed on a takeaway T-shirt at VPA Building 70, Thursday from 9-11 am. The first 100 people get to print a free T-shirt to take home.
Our t-shirt design contest winner is Mya Densley, who describes herself as: "a transfer student projected to graduate in the Spring 2023 term with my BA in Visual and Public Art and my BS in Marine Science. In marine science I focused much of my collegiate experience in biophysical oceanography, and finished my capstone project in Fall of 2022. In VPA, I am in the Spring 2023 cohort, and I frequently explore the interconnectedness and coexistence of beauty in science and accuracy in art. Collaboration, intersection, and community are pinnacles of my work and that is why I am ecstatic that my design was chosen to be a part of the Festival of Languages Cultures and Ideas 2023."
WLC and VPA congratulate Mya and share our appreciation for all students who developed and submitted designs for the contest!
Faculty Facilitator Dio Mendoza
Cultural Tabling & Performances
Multiple CSUMB Student Clubs will table on the Main Quad, Thursday, from 12:00-2 and will feature a performance by the Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team! Student groups will include M.E.Ch.A. de CSUMB, Spanish Club, Native American Students United (CSUMB), Asian and Pacific Islander Association Club, Anime Club, and Japan Club. They will share information about their events and activities alongside multiple campus organizations including the International Programs Office, Otter CrossCultural Center (OC3), and the Undocu-Success Support Program. Some clubs will provide performances.
The Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team is a non-profit organization based in Monterey County since the 1990’s to bring education, diversity and awareness of the history of lion dance and Chinese culture.
Lion dance is an art form based in ancient Chinese culture and other Asian countries which uses various martial art movements to mimic animals. Usually, it is performed to celebrate festivals, bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, etc. The dancing symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority, brings prosperity and good luck, brings a festive atmosphere, and brings happiness.
Typically, the performance acts out a story that reflects overcoming adversity, also historical stories such as great battles. The performers become the body of the lion: the front is the limbs, the one behind is the back and hind legs, and sometimes the costume extends to the shoes. The lion head is usually oversized and dragon-like, like many stone lions in China. During their long development, the lion dances are divided into two styles: southern and northern.
If you are interested in joining or interested in performances, please contact us at 831-204-1313 or email at info@mbldt.org. Check out our website at www.mbldt.org. We practice at the Japanese American Citizens League’s (JACL) building at 424 Adams St in Monterey, every Friday from 7pm-9pm and every Sunday from 9am-12pm.
Remembering the Spanish Civil War: The Culture as a Challenge
Before World War II, Spain served Germany and Italy as the experimental ground to test their weapons and repressive methods. After three years of the Civil War (1936-1939) between supporters of the democratic government and fascists, the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975) was brutally imposed on the whole country. In Spain, the memory of both the Civil War and the fascist dictatorship is still alive. In addition to cultural artifacts to commemorate it, two laws have been written to regulate how to remember that past and how to repair the damage. However, Professor Luengo contends that, despite some progress in the social and political arenas, these laws are insufficient because they serve to maintain an ideology of continuity with the dictatorship itself. In her presentation, Professor Ana Luengo will talk about how both media and laws can serve as either an impulse or an obstacle to reaching a truly democratic historical justice.
3-4 pm in the World Theater
Ana Luengo is an Associate Professor of Spanish at San Francisco State University. She received her doctorate at the University of Hamburg, Germany, with a thesis on the collective memory of the Spanish Civil War in the contemporary narrative, which she later published in book form as La encrucijada de la memoria with Edition Tranvia in 2004. The book was re-edited in 2012. She has also co-edited four volumes, the latest being Perpetrators and Democratic Memory in Spain a monograph issue for Hispanic Issues Online (2017). She has written numerous articles and book chapters about subjects such as representations of violence, historical memory, crime fiction, and LBTQ+ cultures in Spain and in Latin America.
This Spring she will publish her second book monograph, The Archeology of the Spanish Essentialism: Genealogies, Legacies, and Laws, with Editorial Comares in Spain.
Professor Luengo produces the podcast #RadioAnemocoria with Professor Daniel Ares, from San Diego State University, where they interview authors of essays on Iberian Studies. She also collaborates on the digital media Contexto y Acción (ctxt.es) and Fronterad.
She is also the author of a children's book, Lucas tiene superpoderes, in Edicions Bellaterra.
Faculty facilitator: David Vila Diéguez
Writing en español:
A Reading and Conversation with authors Kadiri Vaquer Fernández, Christina van der Plas, and Marcos Pico Rentería
It is no secret Spanish language in the United States has flourished and has made an impact in every sense of our lives. Literature is not exempt from such impact. Three authors and academics are part of that writing en español renaissance: three authors, three genres: essay, poetry, and narrative. There will be a reading in Spanish and English from the authors and a commentary and conversation about reading, writing, and the experience of publishing as an author writing Spanish literature in the United States.
Kadiri Vaquer Fernández is a Puerto Rican poet, translator and educator living in the Monterey Bay area. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, an MFA in Creative Writing in Spanish from NYU, and a Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese from Vanderbilt University. She has published two collections of poetry, Andamiaje and Ritos de pasaje, and she translated the anthology Literary Works by 10 Dominican Women. She is currently working on a memoir in poetic prose. As an educator, Kadiri has taught Spanish, creative writing, Caribbean and Latin American literature, and courses on gender, feminism, and queer studies. Her poetry and research have been included in anthologies, literary magazines and academic journals in Puerto Rico, Spain, and the U.S.
Marcos Pico Rentería, Ph.D. (Mexico, 1981). Assistant Professor of Spanish at Defense Language Institute. He is a professor, researcher, and author. His research focuses on Latin American literature, short stories, poetry, and literary essays of the second half of the 20th and 21st centuries. One of his interests includes the Mexican literary group Crack and the beginning of essays by Jorge Volpi. He was editor of Nueve Délficos. Essays on Lezama (2014) was published by Verbum (Madrid), where he cataloged several articles and translations about Cuban neo-baroque author José Lezama Lima. Recently his collection of short stories, Mosh Pit (2022), was published by Aduana Vieja (Valencia), and a US edition will appear under Sudaquia Editores (New York). Several of his short stories, interviews, articles, and poems have appeared in multiple literary and academic journals. He is the editor and founder of the multi-language literary journal Contrapuntos.
Christina Soto van der Plas is a practicing psychotherapist at Ohana, focusing on the Latino community. She has a Ph.D. in romance studies from Cornell University. She has published several articles and essays on Latin American literature in national and international journals. She writes non-fiction and essays for the magazine Tierra Adentro on a regular basis. Her nonfiction book, Curaçao: costa de cemento pueblo de prisión (2019), won the National Prize for Young Chronicle in Mexico. Her book A Poetics of Transliterature in Latin America is forthcoming. She recently edited The Marx through Lacan Vocabulary (Routledge, 2022).
Faculty facilitator: Dr. Carolyn González
AAPI Panel Discussion
Thursday 5:30-6:30
Event Description
TBD.
Speakers
Jason Agpaoa is an active member of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) – Monterey Bay Chapter, the Salinas Valley Ethnic Studies Conference, and the Coalition for Asian Justice. He is a Guest Experience Representative at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, Ca); Special Events Supervisor at The Tech Interactive (San Jose, Ca); and advisor for the Filipino American Youth Club of the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley. He received his B.A. in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University and is enrolled at San Francisco State University in the M.A. in Asian American Studies. Jason’s long-term objectives are to implement an Ethnic Studies Museum Education program at the future site of the Salinas Chinatown Museum and Cultural Center.
Annamarie Dominno-Cailles is the Senior Advisor at the Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC), an office within the Health and Wellness Services department at CSUMB. SDAC supports CSUMB students with disabilities through the promotion of empowerment, wellness, and full integration into campus life and the campus community. Anna's work is driven by the perspectives that disability identity is just one of the many overlapping, intersecting facets of diversity, and that accessibility is the guiding principle toward inclusion for all. Anna is a proud Monterey County local, whose family has deep roots working in Salinas Valley agriculture over four generations.
Dr. Phương Nguyễn is Associate Professor of US History and Chair of the School of Humanities and Communication. He was born in Vietnam in 1975, but grew up on the Monterey Peninsula. His courses on Asian American History, California at the Crossroads, Histories of Democracy, and Multicultural History are informed by his passion for social justice, multiracial community-building across boundaries, and learning from the past. He is the author of Becoming Refugee American: The Politics of Rescue in Little Saigon (2017, University of Illinois Press).
Larry Oda is the current National President of the Japanese American Citizens League and is Chairman-Emeritus of the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation Board of Directors. He was born in a Justice Department Internment Camp in Crystal City Texas during World War II. He was raised in Monterey, California and attended college in Fresno, California. He was hired to be the vehicle and equipment manager for the City of Salinas, California and his responsibilities grew to oversee the remaining four major maintenance activities; Facilities, Streets, Wastewater, and Parks, and to act as a City Administrative Hearing Officer. He retired from the City as the Public Works Maintenance Superintendent.
He currently serves as a Trustee of the Big Sur Land Trust and a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
Dr. Eric Tao is a full Professor of Computer Science at CSUMB for over 20 years. He is the founding director of the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at CSUMB. In 2021, he co-founded Coalition for Asian Justice in Monterey Bay. He is passionate about innovation, technology, and global economics and regularly speaks in international forums on these subjects. Dr. Tao obtained his bachelor's degree from Taiwan and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Angie Ngọc Trần was born and raised in Vietnam, from which she escaped by boat at seventeen, settling in southern California. After obtaining a doctorate in political economy at the University of Southern California, she joined the CSU Monterey Bay faculty for over 26 years and counting! She has researched and published on transnational labor migration and resistance in Vietnam and Malaysia. Her ongoing co-authored study with Dr. Lorenzo Covarrubias, entitled “H-2A Mexican Agricultural Guestworkers: Navigating opportunities and risks in California and improving quality of life in Mexico,” aims toward future comparative studies on global labor migration patterns, empowerment and resistance. Her 2022 book, Ethnic Dissent and Empowerment: Economic Migration between Vietnam and Malaysia, integrates ethnicity, class, gender, religion, cultural resources of five different ethnic groups in Vietnam. She co-founded Coalition for Asian Justice and is active in local and transnational movements for labor and social justice causes.
Faculty panel facilitator Dr. Shigeko Sekine
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Tomoko Ogaki, Urasenke First Degree Instructor, Lecturer of Japanese, CSUMB
Friday 1:30-3:30 pm, University Center Living Room
Hideko Russell, Urasenke First Degree Instructor, Associate Professor of Translation and Interpretation, MIIS
Anne Oda, Urasenke First Degree Instructor
Junko Matsuda
Arlene Ichien
About Tea Ceremony
The word 'Chado,' also known as chanoyu, means "the way of tea" and is a spiritual and aesthetic discipline for refinement of the self. Known in Japanese as a "do," a 'way,' it centers on the activity of the host and guests spending a mutually heartwarming time together over a bowl of matcha tea. The host aims to serve the guest a bowl of tea, and the guest responds with thankfulness. It also infers that the time shared together can never be repeated.
The tea was introduced into Japan from China in the eighth century, it was at first used as a medicine. In the sixteenth century, the form of Chado that is practiced today was established by the tea master Sen no Rikyu. The ceremony was developed under the influence of Zen Buddhism, the aim of which is to purify the soul by becoming one with nature. The true spirit of the tea ceremony encompasses the feeling of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
Seating is limited. Please be sure to register and arrive on time in order to participate. 20 participants will gather around tables to observe and participate in the tea ceremony. Others can observe from a distance. The ceremony will take 45 minutes to complete and will give you time to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and tranquility of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Take the time to enjoy the tea and Japanese sweets and relax with this rare cultural experience.
Faculty facilitator Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott
Okinawan Martial Arts History and Performance
Daniela Setka is a second degree black belt in Shorin-ryu karate and has been studying for about thirteen years under Senseis Jim and Kathy Ernest. The little dojo in Dixon, California is a branch dojo of Ryukyukan, a Shorin-ryu karate organization based in Okinawa, Japan. She has competed in tournaments throughout California and in Okinawa and now teaches at her dojo. She is also a marine science major and Japanese language and culture minor at CSU- Monterey Bay.
Daniela Setka: Okinawan Martial Arts History and Performance
Learn about one of the indigenous styles of karate to the Okinawan islands, formerly known as the Ryukyu kingdom. Shorin-ryu has hundreds of years of history within each move and Daniela will explore this history in a quick presentation. Along with a performance of three katas, sets of moves put together in order to practice karate.
The three katas:
- Naihanchi Shodan
- Passai dai
- Hamahiga no nunchaku
Faculty facilitator Dr. Shigeko Sekine
MPA and WLC Music Sessions
Enjoy musical performances from talented musicians in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Students from the Music and Performing Arts program at CSUMB will start this session from 5-6 pm. We'll hear short sets from:
- Celine Lee, Andy Avila, Kevin Grether, Eloy Salas, and Marcia Vandervinne
- Roxanne Ortiz
- Tristan Gianelli
Following those groups, please enjoy a set with Ali Luna, Miguel Efraim Leyva Camacho and David Vila Diéguez.
Faculty facilitator Mr. Gus Leonard
Cuarteto León (Cuban music)
Cuarteto León is comprised of Ali Luna, Russel Rodríguez, David Vila Diéguez, and Charlie Montoya.
Faculty facilitator:
Watsonville Taiko Group and Shinsho-Mugen Daiko
A Quiet Greeting in Colors
Friday 7-8, World Theater
Event Description
Wildflowers of every color vibrate and sway pleasantly in a warm spring breeze as it crosses the field. Occasionally a stronger, more mischievous wind tousles the blossoms hither and thither as it whispers in the air. The flowers don't seem to mind. In fact, despite their fragility, they move the earth with all their might to greet the new season. The hidden strength is echoed in our sound as we greet the new spring. Watsonville Taiko Group and Monterey's Shinsho Mugen Daiko are here to celebrate the resilience and strength of nature through the vibrations of our drums.
Bio
Watsonville Taiko Group, founded by Jim Hooker in September 1991, is a group of people who study Japanese drumming. Ikuyo Conant, Artistic Director since 1992, set the goal of drumming for the students to cultivate positive energy and express themselves through drumming. Watsonville Taiko Group creates a Taiko drumming community for performers and supporters alike. We stress "Folk Art" because it values people's participation with others in order to keep traditions alive. Important cultural values and social meanings are found in the context of full participation and understanding of cultural traditions. By creating a community and working together, members learn that each person is valued as an essential member of the community.
Shinsho-Mugen Daiko was founded in 1999 by Watsonville Taiko's artistic director, Ikuyo Conant. Shinsho means “celestial bodies” and Mugen means “source of dreams.” The group introduces a contemporary style of taiko with movements and powerful sounds.
Faculty Facilitator Dr. Shigeko Sekine
Parking and Getting Here
Coming to campus information. Parking for events at World Theater and University Center is suggested to use Lot 59. Parking permits must be displayed at all times. Purchase a permit in most parking lots or purchase online (select CSU Monterey Bay from the list) and print in advance.
For more information or disability accommodations
Contact wlc@csumb.edu | 831-582-3863
Prior FLCI Celebrations
Curious about who and what was part of previous FLCI celebrations?