Loyola University Chicago

Modern Languages and Literatures

News
  • From Arab and Muslim Merchants to Christian Missionaries: Intertwined Narratives Shaping Southeast Asian Identities

    Welcome back to a new semester at Loyola and new intriguing blogs from our diverse Arabic learners. We start with a special edition from our dearest alumnus Andrew Milewski: A Jesuit preparing for future ordination as a Catholic priest and teacher at Saint Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia, a graduate student of Arabic at Loyola for 2 years, and a zealous activist in supporting intercultural, multilingual, and multifaith values for authentic global citizenry. Andrew deeply reflects on the historical, religious, and linguistic solidarity of Arabic to the core values of southeast Asian identities with a focus on Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia . It goes beyond words to underscore the precious gems shared by Andrew at such turbulent local and global times and the need for languages and cultures to foster a dignified human life.
  • Intertwined Arabic Traces within Ethiopian Languages & Orthodoxy

    Please join me in reading our LAST Arabic minor blog for this academic semester with an inspiring voice from Ethiopia. Please support our dearest Hana, a freshman with a double major in Political Science and Global Studies and double minor in Arabic Language & Culture and Law & Politics. With Orthodox Easter on the corner, Hana leaves us with a deep legacy of the linguistic, cultural, and religious intertextual and intersectional tracks of Arabic and Islam on the Ethiopian languages, traditions, and Orthodoxy. In sharing her voice, Hana reminds us of the power of representations and framing of narratives to transform confined discourses of The Other and transcend to a humanitarian dignified paradigm.
  • Arabic from Rome to Seville with Wandering Winta!

    Please join me in stepping into a multilingual, multicultural, multireligious, and transdisciplinary historical era in Al-Andalus. Please follow our dearest Winta, a Loyola senior majoring in Global Studies with an Anthropology and Arabic Language and Culture minors, as she recounts some memorable moments from her studies at Rome and her wandering to Seville. Winta leaves us with fabulous images of Arabic and Islamic heritage in Southern Spain while emphasizing the pivotal role of learning languages as a means to enhance critical awareness, empathy, and global understanding.
  • Foreign Language Graphic Novel Contest Winners Announced!

    The Language Learning Resource Center hosted a celebration on Wednesday, April 3, for the winners of the graphic novel contest. Six students submitted a comic in a foreign language with original artwork centered on the prompt "How I met my best friend." The winning comic books were written in several languages such as French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. Winners were awarded various prizes, including a Stanley Tumbler, a Nike backpack, and more. The celebration included the distribution of prizes, brief introductions, and a pizza party.
  • Chinese Language and Culture Presentations 2024

    On March 19, 2024, about 50 students, faculty, and staff attended the Chinese language and culture presentations at the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC). Eleven students gave captivating presentations, some entirely in Chinese and some mostly in English about various aspects of Chinese culture, ranging from the Moon Festival to Confucianism, to Chinese architecture, to a comparison of Chinese and American marriage customs, to Chinese cuisine in America, and more. All the participants also sampled delicious Chinese cuisine and snacks. The event was organized and sponsored by LLRC and the Chinese language and culture minor program.
  • ARABIC الخَطّ العَرَبيّ CALLIGRAPHY

    With gratitude to funding, organization, and support from the manager of the Language Resource Center, Paulina Dzieza, the Arabic minor has sponsored an interactive workshop on the transcendental art of Arabic Calligraphy. The workshop on Wednesday February 14, 2024, brought a diverse set of students from the Campus including learners of Arabic language and literature. The spectrum of knowledge and acquaintance of Arabic handwriting system and artistic applications of calligraphy has been eye-opening and entertaining. The calligraphist, ustaadh Majid, and our Loyola students attempted to practice the skill, patience, meditative aspects, mathematical calculations, and the beauty of Arabic handwriting.
  • Arabic and the Philippines: A Labyrinth of Bonding Possibilities

    Please take a few moments to browse through our recent blog by Isabella Steele, a sophomore majoring in Global Studies and Political Science with a minor in Arabic Language & Culture at Loyola. Attempting to uncover more connections to her Filipino identity, Isabella questions the limited controversial educational opportunities, within the USA, in addressing authoritative intersection of languages, cultures and power, especially in her homeland. Her blog, Arabic and the Philippines: A Labyrinth of Bonding Possibilities, highlights the value of critical literacy skills in underpinning cultural and linguistic representations of peoples and nations and allowing new narratives and voices to emerge!
  • A Cradle of Life in Egypt: Arabic, Coptic Orthodox, and Family Bonds!

    As we get ready for the end of the semester and holiday season, please join me in appreciating the unique voice of our dear Arabic minor student, Mareez, who is pursuing a Computer Science major with a minor in Arabic Language and Culture. In her informative and heart-felt entry (A Cradle of Life in Egypt: Arabic, Coptic Orthodox, and Family Bonds!), Mareez underscores the sociocultural, spiritual, and intellectual interdisciplinary connections of Arabic language in navigating her identity as a Coptic Orthodox Egyptian. Her deep love and authentic conscious connection to her family, in the USA, and in Egypt is delightful to read about!
  • Chinese Mid-autumn Festival

    On September 28, students taking Chinese language classes at Loyola gathered at the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC) to celebrate the Chinese Mid-autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. Six students gave presentations on Chinese culture, and the topics included modern Chinese fashion trends, the Moon Festival, tea culture, gift giving practices in China, Chinese traditions, and modeling in China. In addition to learning about Chinese culture, the students, faculty, and staff sampled delicious Chinese cuisine and deserts, including the famous mooncakes. The event was sponsored by LLRC and the Chinese Language and Culture Minor program.
  • Bilingual poetry reading by Alejandro Duque Amusco and Susana Cavallo from Dreams on Fire. Sueño en el fuego. English translations by Susan Kimmelman.

    Susan Kimmelman was a Chicago dancer, writer, activist and candidate for the MA in Spanish at Loyola University Chicago from 1999 to 2001. Her masters thesis was to be a translation of the poetry of the Spanish writer, Alejandro Duque Amusco. Unfortunately, Kimmelman died in 2001 before seeing her translations in print. In 2021, with the consent of her family and the enthusiastic support of the poet, Susana Cavallo decided to edit Kimmelman’s work, with the hopes of an eventual publication—Kimmelman’s fervent dream. Duque Amusco and Cavallo will be performing a bilingual reading of those incandescent translations, now present in the bilingual collection: Dreams on Fire. Sueño en el fuego (Chicago: Cloud Hands Press, 2022).
  • Chinese Language and Culture Presentations at LLRC

    On March 21, 2023, more than 50 students, faculty, and staff participated in the Chinese Culture Day at the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC). Nine students currently enrolled in Chinese classes gave presentations on various aspects of Chinese culture, ranging from traditional vs. modern architecture, to Chinese holidays and the zodiac, to how learning Chinese contributed to the pursuit of equal treatment for foodservice workers. Participants not only learned about Chinese culture but also sampled delicious Chinese cuisine and snacks. The event was organized by the Chinese Program with generous support from LLRC.
  • Arabic Music and STEAM

    On March 1st, the LLRC and Arabic Language and Culture Minor welcomed Mr. Majed Abu Ajameyeh to immerse students in a traditional Arabic music ensemble. Using the traditional Arab instruments, the oud, qanoon and ney, Mr. Majed Abu Ajameyeh presented a dazzling one-man-show and discussed the origins of each instrument while Loyola students enjoyed an authentic Arab lunch.
  • Film Screening of The Earth Seen from the Heart (La terre vue du coeur, Iolande Cadrin-Rossignol)

    Please join us for a screening of the Quebecois film (in French with English subtitles), La terre vue du Coeur (The Earth Seen from the Heart, 2018), directed by Iolande Cadrin-Rossignol. This documentary features scientists, writers, and artists who are addressing and seeking solutions for crises in biodiversity today. The director dedicates this film to future generations. Date: March 13, 2023 Time: 5:45-7:30 Location: IES room 124
  • Chanukkah Karaoke Party

    With the support of the LLRC and the Hebrew Studies Program - the Loyola-Israel Student Alliance (LISA) "Chanukkah Karaoke Party" on December 1 was a celebration of Chanukkah and Hebrew! Many students from across the university came to watch and sing along with Israeli and Chanukkah Music Videos in English and in Hebrew, Hebrew with English Translation and Hebrew with English Transliteration! And besides the music, there was Candle Making for Chanukkah and other holidays and delicious Cookie Decorating! And, of course, people played the traditional Chanukkah game of spinning a Dreidel!
  • Dr. Cristina Lombardi-Diop, Director of the Italian Studies Program at Loyola University Chicago

    Lecture: Cristina Lombardi-Diop (Loyola) Time: Mon Nov 21, 2022, 5:00PM - 6:00PM https://italianstudies.nd.edu/news-events/events/2022/11/21/lecture-cristina-lombardi-diop-loyola/
  • Día de los Muertos at the LLRC

    On October 25, 2022, students and faculty in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). David Beltrán, a Spanish faculty member, and a local artist, Teresa Magaña, shared invaluable cultural insight into the history, traditions, and symbolism that define Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico. Magaña, a self-described “Tejana, Mexicana, and Chicana” artist, displayed many of her own pieces of artwork and guided attendees in a calavera (skull) decorating activity. In collaboration with Paulina Dzieza, the manager of the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC), Spanish faculty members, David Beltrán, and Sarah Obrist, organized this cultural event that celebrated the enduring traditions of Día de los Muertos.
  • “100 Countries 100 Turkish Folk Songs” at the LLRC

    On October 7, 2022 at 1:00 p.m Loyola’s Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC) was immersed into Turkish culture during a visit from Loudingirra Ozdemir, Turkish folk musician, who presented his journey of “100 Countries 100 Songs” to Loyola students and staff. As the smell of fresh gyros and baklava filled the air, approximately thirty-five students and professors gathered at Loyola’s LLRC to listen to Ozdemir cover some of his favorite mystic folk songs.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival at LLRC

    On September 29, 2022, more than 50 Chinese language students, faculty, and staff attended the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (aka the Moon Festival) celebration at the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC) while enjoying an authentic Chinese meal and delicious mooncakes. Students gave presentations on various aspects of Chinese culture, ranging from the Moon Festival to traditional Chinese marriage customs, to ancient Chinese philosophers such as Confucius (孔子)and Mencius (孟子). The students also practiced calligraphy and made lanterns, which are typically floated in rivers in China to drive away evil spirits and to brighten the night sky, bringing good fortunes to families. The event was organized by Professor Hong Chen, director of the Chinese Program, and Paulina Dzieza, LLRC manager.
  • Academic Award Polish American Congress

    The Department of Modern Languages & Literatures program at Loyola congratulates Bożena Nowicka McLees, the director of the Interdisciplinary Polish Studies for receiving the Academic Award from the Polish American Congress (PAC) Illinois Division at their 51st Annual American Heritage Award Banquet, which was held on Sunday, October 24th, 2021.
  • Adriana Trigiani, Italian American Author, Dinner Conversation

    Join us at Casa Italia in Stone Park on Wednesday, October 20th at 5:45 PM for dinner and conversation with best-selling author Adriana Trigiani! In this LIVE streamed event Adriana will talk about her career as a successful writer of over 20 fiction and nonfiction books and how her Italian American heritage informs her work.
  • And They Came To Chicago: The Italian American Legacy

    Join us for a live streamed presentation of the documentary “And They Came To Chicago: The Italian American Legacy” on Thursday October 21, 2021 at 5:15PM. Writer/director Gia Marie Amella will introduce her film, which explores 150 years of the Italian experience in Chicago, and take questions from participants after the screening.
  • Faculty Activities Report/Summer 2018 - Spring 2021

    " This Faculty Activities report details your numerous publications, grants, university and departmental committee assignments, and nominations for Loyola’s most prestigious awards." Dr. Susana Cavallo
  • 2021 Midwest University Chinese Speech Contest

    In the 2021 Midwest University Chinese Speech Contest, Loyola fielded six competitors amongst a total of nearly 50 registrants from 10 universities in six Midwestern states. Punching above their weight, Ramblers took home four out of 10 gold medals awarded on the day.
  • Italia nel cuore. Dr. Sergio Corsi: Professor of Italian and Italian Literature

    Message from the Chair: Dr. Sergio Corsi retired from Loyola last spring after 47 years of passionate service. Sergio loved his work and loved his students. His dedication to them was and remains legendary. I am sad to inform you that his beloved wife, Dr. Naomi Corsi, died recently. She was commemorated at a private family service on January 2. I would like to take this opportunity to express our profound sorrow to our beloved colleague Sergio and to his son, David Corsi, and his family. Dr. Wiley Feinstein gave a beautiful tribute to his close friend and “brother”. The tribute, “Italia nel cuore,” as well as a video celebrating Sergio and his fabled teaching and dedication to Italian literature, especially Dante, can be found at these links:
  • National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture Visit

    The LUC Puerto Rican Student Association visited The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park on March 23, 2019.
  • Italian Dual Credit Program & Sculpting America with an Italian Chisel with Lou Del Bianco

    The Dual Credit Program at Loyola University Chicago welcomed the visit of the Italian AP class from St. Viator's High School, organized by Mrs. Mirella Rullo and Prof. Anna Clara Ionta. The students joined the Italian class of professoressa Anna Taraboletti Segre and then, attended a lecture by Lou Del Bianco organized by Dr. Carla Simonini.
  • La Bohème at the Lyric Opera - Fall 2018

    Over 40 students from Italian language classes attended La Bohème at the Lyric Opera on Saturday, October 20th.
  • Social Justice Research Fellowship - Seraphina Meacham

    Seraphina Meacham, Gannon Scholar and Honors undergraduate student, was awarded a LUROP grant (Social Justice Research Fellowship) for 2018-19 to conduct a research project, Immigrant Women and Art: Exploring Identity, under the mentorship of Dr. Cristina Lombardi.
  • Arabic: Your Ticket to the Middle East

    Theresa Smiley, a Loyola student majoring in Global and International Studies and Political Science, with minors in Arabic Language and Culture, Islamic World Studies, shares her experience with Arabic studying abroad in Amman, Jordan, where she participated in an intensive Arabic language program through CET Academic Programs.
  • 2018 Loyola Graduate Symposium

    Graduate students (L to R) Beth Maldonado, Eugenia Cairo, Karl Groneman, David Inczauskis SJ, and Ephraim Abocado participated in the Loyola's annual graduate symposium on April 21, 2018.
  • 2018 Midwest University Chinese Speech Contest

    Loyola Students Win Awards at 2018 Midwest University Chinese Speech Contest
  • Fullbright Scholar - Mia LaRocca

    Former Loyola Italian student, Mia LaRocca, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Università deli Studi di Scienze Gastonomiche in Italy.
  • Graduating Chinese Minors Celebration 2018

    To celebrate the graduation of 16 students with a Chinese minor, the students and faculty visited the Emperors' Bronzes exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by a lunch in Chinatown.
  • PEN Zentrum

    Reinhard Andress (Professor of German, Director of German Studies) has been nominated and accepted for membership in PEN ZENTRUM deutschsprachiger Autoren im Ausland (PEN CENTRUM of German-speaking Authors Abroad) in recognition of his scholarly contributions to transatlantic relations in the field of German Studies. The PEN Zentrum is engaged in the freedom of art in all its forms and across borders, and fights against racism and all other forms of discrimination.
  • We too? Feminism, Sexual abuse and Gender Power

    On the emblematic date of March 8, at the Parthenon Hall of University of Rome Sapienza, students and faculty gathered for the seminar We too? Feminism, Sexual abuse and Gender Power by Cristina Lombardi-Diop, of Loyola University Chicago. Lombardi-Diop carried out an in-depth analysis of the new movements against sexual abuse and its implications for international feminism in its different forms.
  • Student Event

    Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chinese New Year Performance

    Students taking Chinese language and literature classes attended traditional Chinese performances at the Chicago Symphony Center, put on by the Sichuan Opera Troupe and Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra.
  • Student Event

    Chinese New Year's Celebration at Loyola

    On Feb. 13, 2018 more than 600 Loyola students participated in festivities hosted by the Chinese Student Association and the Vietnamese Student Association.
  • Language Placement Assistance at Freshman Orientation

    What class is best for you? Let us help. Members of the MLL Department will be available during summer registration sessions to help answer questions related to language placement.
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  • Film Screening L'audience (The Hearing, Quebec)

    Film Screening L'audience (The Hearing, Quebec)
  • Intertwined Arabic Traces within Ethiopian Languages & Orthodoxy!

    Please join me in reading our LAST Arabic minor blog for this academic semester with an inspiring voice from Ethiopia. Please support our dearest Hana, a freshman with a double major in Political Science and Global Studies and double minor in Arabic Language & Culture and Law & Politics. With Orthodox Easter on the corner, Hana leaves us with a deep legacy of the linguistic, cultural, and religious intertextual and intersectional tracks of Arabic and Islam on the Ethiopian languages, traditions, and Orthodoxy. In sharing her voice, Hana reminds us of the power of representations and framing of narratives to transform confined discourses of The Other and transcend to a humanitarian dignified paradigm.