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Undergraduate Students Invited to Participate in Essay Contest 'Why Do I Learn Languages?' Starting Sept. 9

September 6, 2024 Academics

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The word hello written in chalk in many languages

The College of Humanities and Fine Arts invites undergraduate students who are or have been enrolled in a language course at UMass Amherst to enter the "Why Do I Learn Languages?" essay contest beginning Monday, Sept. 9. 

Students will use their 150-200 word essays to answer the questions, "In what way does learning another language contribute to your ways of thinking, your worldview, your attitude toward others, your career growth, or your self-awareness? How does it impact what you know, or facilitate formation of new knowledge?" 

All essays should be written in English and, if possible, in the language the student is learning. The deadline to enter the contest, which is open to all currently enrolled UMass Amherst undergraduates, is October 21, 2024. 

Five winners will be selected, and all five winners will receive a $100 cash prize, and their essays and photos will be displayed on posters and video screens around campus. The winners will also be honored at a spring 2025 event.

This essay contest seeks to celebrate, acknowledge, and highlight the many languages spoken and used in our community, in line with our campus’ mission to recognize diversity and foster global competence. An interdisciplinary faculty committee will select the best responses, and the prize-winning essays will appear in a social media campaign and on posters displayed across campus.

The contest is supported and hosted by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and funded by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and the Department of Classics. It is co-organized by Ela Gezen, associate professor in the German and Scandinavian Studies program, and Teresa Ramsby, professor in the Department of Classics.

Learn more or submit an essay for consideration.

Article posted in Academics for Current students

Related programs

  • Classics
  • Chinese Language and Literature
  • East Asian Languages and Cultures
  • Japanese Language and Literature
  • Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan Studies
  • German Studies

Related departments

  • Classics
  • Languages, Literatures and Cultures

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