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Latin@ Studies to Host `Hablemos: Speaking Spanish Together' Starting Sept. 29

HablemosFerris State University’s Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center is hosting an opportunity for faculty, staff and community members to learn to speak Spanish together.

Hablemos: Speaking Spanish Together” sessions begin Monday, Sept. 29 in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center, Room 131, the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center. Sessions are from 5 to 7 p.m. each Monday through Dec. 1. The sessions include instruction on the basics or beginning levels. In addition to learning Spanish, the sessions will offer participants the opportunity to increase their understanding of the distinct cultures of Latin@s in the U.S. The instruction also will link participants to the center’s ongoing cultural, film and learning activities.

Eric Warner, a faculty member in the Languages and Literature department in Ferris’ College of Arts, Sciences and Education, will offer instruction in a community environment. While the course is non-credit bearing, it is designed to create a community that is more engaged with the language and culture of Michigan’s Latin@ community.

“The Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center fosters a welcoming environment to explore and celebrate Latin@ communities and cultures for faculty, staff, students and community members,” said Jessica Cruz, CLS assistant director. “Hablemos, for example, offers an opportunity to acquire Spanish conversational skills while learning about Latin@ communities in the U.S. Participants will be connected to additional learning opportunities provided by CLS via campus and community events, such as Latin@ film nights.”

After a successful first year, Cruz is hoping that the program will continue to grow and become more popular on campus and within the greater community.

“Hablemos first began during the Fall 2013 semester,” Cruz said. “We are happy to continue this effort this year given the interest expressed by faculty, staff and community members.”

The program fee is $75, which covers the cost of materials and support for instruction.

The Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center was established to provide educational, social and leadership-development opportunities within Latin@ communities through student, academic and community connections. IRC 131 is the “home base” for Latin@ students as well as domestic and international students, and others, interested in Latin American culture.