Embracing Diversity through the New Language and Culture Club

Fisher has opened its doors to a new student organization, the Language and Culture Club, born out of the need to have a space for practicing languages and learning about foreign culture.

The club hosted one of their first events, the Matcha Tea, on Thursday, March 21 in the Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge. Attendees learned about the history behind Matcha; how it is more than just a drink, and is part of culture and ceremony. Club members gave out strawberry flavored rice treats, assorted candies, and different flavored Pocky. In this event, they also introduced two new courses (Elementary Japanese and Cross-Cultural Communication) being offered during the fall 2024 semester with Professor Kaori Shibatani Blalock. 

This club’s goal is to dedicate every month to a different culture and their language and collaborate with other departments or students. Through these activities they will create a fun and informal way of learning, and to date, their planned line up focuses on Spanish, German, Japanese, Italian, and French.

“One of the main goals of the club is to create a fun, informal environment for students who want to expand their culture and language knowledge without worrying about being judged. The key is that we are all learning and share the same interest,” said Ana Winters, the president of the club.

As a club, they envision being able to open a space to people where they can learn and educate themselves on different cultures and how important they are for a community, as people and as communicators.  

“We hope that we can create a positive and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable to come as they are,” Winters said.