News

May 4, 2017

Comparing Language in Yucatan

It’s no secret that language and accents evolve over time. But what do those changes say about the speakers themselves? What can they tell us about identity? NC State graduate student Alex Hyler explored those questions while studying unique forms of Spanish in Yucatan, Mexico.

May 3, 2017

Ceremony Recognizes Best Graduating Seniors

Foreign Languages and Literatures Department Head Dr. Ruth Gross and Assistant Department Head Dr. Dudley Marchi welcomed faculty, students, families, and friends to the 2017 Outstanding Graduating Seniors Award Ceremony celebrated last Wednesday April 26 from 3:30 to 5pm at Caldwell Lounge.

Apr 27, 2017

The Sound of Inclusion: Why Teachers’ Words Matter

NC State's Language and Life project is a valuable tool for teachers seeking to understand the role and value of linguistic diversity in the classroom.

Apr 24, 2017

In the Spotlight: Hindi-Urdu Professor Nilakshi Phukan

Growing up in a rural Indian village, Foreign Languages and Literatures Hindi-Urdu professor, Nilakshi Phukan, faced the common obstacle of being viewed as a second class citizen because of her gender. Around the age of nine, her father moved her family of eight to a nearby small town in hope of better opportunities. A social norm at the time, it was her father that set goals for what his six children were to become. Hence, he determined she was to receive her Ph.D. in Hindi. She jokes about the fact she probably didn’t know what a Ph.D. was at the time, but nevertheless, she was driven to fulfill her dad’s dream.

Apr 19, 2017

Alum Pays it Forward

Following NC State’s October launch of the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, with its goal of $1.6 billion in private support, alum Daniel Gunter (History and Spanish '00) enthusiastically signed on to serve as Campaign Cabinet Volunteer Chair for Annual Giving.

Apr 18, 2017

Professor Remembers His Mother’s Viennese Culinary Heritage

In this month's edition of Wonders and Marvels, Foreign Languages and Literatures professor Michael Garval writes about the Vienna of his mom and grandparents. It was not, as Dickens would have said it, the "best of times" but the food was "guided by principles of thrift and ingenuity, passed across time and generations," the way his Oma or grandmother used to make it. Read the original story...

Apr 12, 2017

In the Spotlight: Classics Professor Dustin Heinen

At the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, we pride ourselves in supporting open discussion of ideas and perspectives. Having an inquisitive, receptive academic discourse is key to a thriving educational environment. NC State Classics and Latin professor, Dr. Dustin Heinen, credits this interactive environment as what has molded who he is in the classroom.

Apr 10, 2017

Four Foreign Language Graduate Students Presented at NC State Graduate Research Symposium

The 12th Annual NC State University Graduate Student Research Symposium was held March 22 at the McKimmon Center, in which more than 200 graduate students gathered to present their research to a panel of faculty judges. Four FL&L graduate students were among the presenters.

Apr 5, 2017

Professor Explores Impact of Sci-Fi Literature on China’s Nation-Building Efforts

Not all students arrive at college knowing the distinct educational route, let alone professional, they intend to take. Most of us can attest that uncertainty has a tendency not to discriminate. Thankfully your time at college is all about discovering what ignites your fervor to learn. For instance, NC State Modern Chinese Literature and Cultural Studies professor, Dr. Nathaniel Isaacson, initially intended to enter the business world before realizing that his calling was not there but in studying Chinese language and culture.

Apr 3, 2017

Kaitlin’s Day with the Dean

On a recent Wednesday, Humanities and Social Sciences student Kaitlin Fritz and Dean Jeff Braden spent the day side by side. Fritz, a senior English major and winner of the 2017 Side by Side with the Dean contest, got a glimpse at the inner-workings of the college while Braden experienced what it’s like to walk in a student’s shoes.