Language symposium biggest yet
The KOR’s language symposium is already full, with 200 participants signed up to listen and share about language learning. File photo
It’s just over one month until the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language & Cultural Center (KOR) hosts its Rotinonhsión:ni Language Symposium, and the community has shown they’re hungry for knowledge, having filled up all the spots for this edition of the event.
“With over 200 attendees registered, this is our largest symposium yet,” said Ohontsakéhte Montour, cultural development manager at the KOR. “From past experiences, we’ve learned the importance of thorough preparation. We’ve also found that panel discussions and working groups encourage deeper engagement, so we are incorporating more of these opportunities.”
This year’s event will focus on the theme “Creating speakers inside and outside of the classroom,” and will bring together language experts and learners to discuss their experiences. Through panel discussions, keynote presentations, and small groups, community members will discuss best practices for creating high-level speakers, exploring innovative approaches to language-learning.
“We aim to foster dialogue through interactive discussions that encourage participants to share ideas, challenges, and solutions,” Montour said. “These conversations will contribute to the broader effort of language revitalization in our communities.”
Topics to be discussed include strategies for post-graduation learning, the connection between language and culture, and mental well-being throughout language learning processes. Effective study habits as well as the challenges and successes of learning within family and community settings will also be addressed.
The symposium was last held in 2023.
“Hosting this symposium every two years provides a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange among language learners and educators,” Montour said. “It helps build strong networks that support ongoing language revitalization efforts while promoting innovative approaches to teaching and learning.”
A new addition to the symposium this year is a panel discussion, with speakers currently being finalized.
“These discussions will allow speakers to engage with thematic questions and respond to audience inquiries,” Montour said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to hear diverse perspectives and explore real-world strategies that can be applied to language programs and learning environments.”
Staff at the KOR have been planning for the symposium since early January, securing speakers and planning the logistics of the event, which will take place at the Knights of Columbus on the 29 and 30 April, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Keynote speakers for the event will be Kahrhó:wane McComber and Kahtehrón:ni Stacey, with more information to come about specific panels and discussions.
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