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K-State Today

February 14, 2017

Symposium on Language Diversity in Kansas on Saturday, Feb. 18

Submitted by Karin Westman

Bluestem Language Symposium photo

Join local and regional scholars and student researchers to celebrate the rich past and the vibrant future of linguistic diversity in Kansas.

The Bluestem Language Symposium will be from 1-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Kansas State University Alumni Center.

The symposium is free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members, but space will be limited, so advance registration is highly recommended.

Presentations will focus on the cultural heritage of Kansas, ranging from the presence of German on the plains to the changing sound of English in the Heartland.

In addition, graduate and undergraduate scholars from K-State and the University of Kansas consider the future of linguistic diversity in Kansas, including efforts to preserve the Osage language, techniques for making classrooms more linguistically inclusive, and the impact of changing demographics on language in Southwest Kansas.

"Many believe that Kansas is culturally static and homogenous," said Mary Kohn, assistant professor of English and co-organizer for the symposium. "We hope this symposium illuminates the symphony of cultural and linguistic diversity that has always been present and continues to develop within the Free State."

More information about the presentations is available at the Facebook event page and from the department of English calendar.

The symposium is sponsored by the departments of English, modern languages, history, and sociology, anthropology and social work.

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