Upcoming Events: Linguapax | Presidential Language Trivia \ Social Justice Themes in African Poetry
The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of LINGUAPAX
March 8, 2025 2 – 4 pm (EDT)
Have you ever wondered how Mother Language Day (MLD) came to be? Who were the visionaries and lobbyists that brought this day into the public eye, offering legitimacy and hope to many small language communities in minority language settings? Who celebrates MLD and how do we know?
This presentation introduces listeners to an international organization known as Linguapax, once affiliated with UNESCO. Linguapax, which means language and peace, has regional affiliates that advocate and increase local awareness of languages, especially indigenous languages. Join this session to learn about local and global language successes and challenges.
About the Speaker
Olenka Bilash, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus in second language education at the University of Alberta, Canada, and has served as a Director on the Board of Linguapax for over 20 years. Her resume speaks to eclectic interdisciplinary collaborations with arts, humanities, fine arts, medicine and science. An award winning teacher and researcher, she has shepherded dozens of graduate students from five continents through their language-related research programs. Her edited book on the impact of 50 years of multiculturalism in public education was released in 2024 by Brill.
Presidential Language Trivia Game
March 22, 2025 2 – 4 pm (EDT)
Join us for an exciting and interactive Presidential Foreign Language Trivia event where we’ll be using Kahoot! for a fun trivia game to test your knowledge!
Event Highlights:
Gain insights from Gregory J. Nedved, a renowned linguist, historian, and author of Presidential Foreign Language Trivia.
Discover interesting facts about U.S. Presidents and their foreign language skills!
Participate in a fun trivia game on Kahoot! with a chance to win prizes.
About the Host
Gregory J. Nedved is a respected linguist, historian, and author with over 30 years of experience in military and government service. He has worked in Chinese-Mandarin translation and interpretation for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense. Nedved’s book offers unique trivia about U.S. Presidents and their language skills, with interesting facts for every president, from well-known figures like Thomas Jefferson to lesser-known presidents like Rutherford Hayes.
In addition to his work as a historian and linguist, Gregory is the President Emeritus of the National Museum of Language. He has dedicated much of his life to promoting language education and preserving the importance of languages in history and culture.
Why Attend?
- Learn new, lesser-known facts about U.S. Presidents and their language abilities.
- Join an interactive and fun trivia game on Kahoot! with other trivia lovers.
- Support the National Museum of Language as proceeds from the event help continue the museum’s mission to educate and raise awareness about the importance of language and culture.
- The proceeds from this event will directly support the museum’s important work. Your participation will help the museum continue to expand its efforts to promote language education and cultural preservation for future generations.
We hope you’ll join us for this unique event! RSVP today and get ready for an afternoon of fun and learning.
Social Justice Themes in African Poetry:
Writing Your Own Poetry
April 5, 2025 11 AM – 1 PM (EST)
Note: This is an in-person event at the South Bowie Branch Library of the Pringe George’s County Memorial LIbrary System
Join us for an exciting event that blends powerful social justice poetry from Africa with a fun, hands-on poetry workshop. Hear poems from several countries in various languages, from Ancient Egypt to today’s diaspora in Maryland. Learn how to express your own voice for social justice by writing poems using words, shapes, and sounds.
Click here to register on the library’s site.