As part of UBC Arts Multilingual Week (October 27–31), the Department of French, Hispanic & Italian Studies (FHIS) invites undergraduate and graduate students to a student roundtable discussion exploring the broad question:
Why learn languages today?
Together, participants from all levels of our Romance Language disciplines (Catalan, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish) will walk through a series of questions about the value of language learning, both in general and within the context of Romance Languages.
Guiding questions may include:
- Why learn languages today, especially with the rise of AI?
- Why study languages at the university or post-graduate level?
- Why focus on Romance Languages specifically?
- Why learn your Romance Language (Catalan, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish)?
We anticipate a rich discussion touching on:
- The value of multilingualism
- How language learning shapes identity and cultural understanding
- Academic and career opportunities
- Contributions of language learning to social justice, equity, and global citizenship
The session will conclude with an open mic segment, where audience members can share their own experiences and questions about language learning and multilingualism today.
Join us to shape a dynamic conversation about the role of languages at UBC and in today’s world!
How to get involved:
Become a roundtable panelist
Applications are now closed.
Undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in being panelists for this roundtable discussion must submit the Application Form (below) by October 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
If you are selected, the FHIS Student Engagement Committee will contact you directly via email with next steps.
Attend
Come as an audience member and take part in the open mic discussion — please RSVP below!
RSVP & Application Form:
Sorry. This form is no longer available.
Contact:
If you have any questions, contact the Committee Chair, Dr. Brianne Orr-Alvarez, at brianne.orr@ubc.ca.
