At Cornell University, language study is vast and vibrant, reflecting the institution's deep commitment to fostering global literacy and cross-cultural understanding. To celebrate that commitment, the university’s Language Resource Center (LRC) hosts World Languages Day (WLD) each year – an event for middle and high school students that showcases the diverse opportunities available for language learning on a university campus and the importance of connecting with people across the globe. This year’s event will take place on Oct. 26 and is open to the public.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with breakfast snacks and a welcome plenary, featuring a current Cornell student. Throughout the day, youth participants attend three different sessions, including introductions to American Sign Language, Bangla, and Turkish, to sessions on Korean music, Southeast Asian trivia, and how to hack a language, among others.
An info fair showcases various campus units with global focus areas and various student organizations. Over lunch, youth participants experience performances by student clubs. The event culminates with closing remarks and ends at 3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit WLD 24. “By involving all members of the Cornell community in WLD, we create bridges between and among individuals and cultures,” said Angelika Kraemer, director of the LRC.
The LRC first hosted World Languages Day in 2019. The event is organized by the LRC and Upward Bound and sponsored by many campus units. Support is provided by the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement.
The language programs at Cornell help students who have a wide spectrum of interests and academic goals. Whether students are pursuing a career in international relations or global business, or are simply passionate about exploring new cultures or connecting with their family heritage, Cornell's offerings ensure that they can find a language that aligns with their aspirations. The university also boasts a robust array of student clubs and organizations dedicated to promoting linguistic and cultural exchange.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about other languages and cultures, connect with other students and Cornell faculty, and engage in new ways of thinking,” said Anna Marchetti class of 2028, who attended last year’s event as a high school senior. “I had a ton of new experiences there, such as learning phrases in ASL, taking a K-pop dance class, and being immersed in an indigenous language. Language learning can be life-changing in a variety of ways—it has positive social impacts, opens up job opportunities, helps maintain a healthy brain, and enables you to explore and connect with the world in new ways.” Marchetti said she’s participated in the event since 10th grade. She will volunteer for WLD this year and is excited to share her enthusiasm with the youth participants.
Cornell offers instruction in almost 60 languages, located within eight departments/programs within the College of Arts & Sciences. Some courses are also taught through the Shared Course Initiative, an agreement with Columbia and Yale universities.
Students in the College of Arts & Sciences have to complete a language requirement as part of their degree program. “I have a deep interest in learning Mandarin, and since coming to Cornell, I have been enrolled in a Mandarin class every semester, and plan to continue until graduation,” said Daria Badger class of 2026. Daria will be this year’s opening student speaker at WLD.
“In times of global unrest, it is crucial to celebrate different languages and cultures and allow the future generation to engage with new experiences and individuals from different backgrounds firsthand,” Kraemer said. “WLD brings people closer together and fosters cross-cultural understanding on and beyond campus.”
Elizabeth Lara-Rivera '26 is a communications assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences.
