Students and faculty surfed through tables at the Language Festival that took place in Gorton Quad on Nov 14., collecting information about language and culture while listening to music and purchasing souvenirs from vendors.

The event held a show that included fashion from Arab countries, Lebanese dancers, and live Italian musical performances. 

There were also three sets of Arabian performances, including a belly dancing demonstration, all done to the sounds of Arabian instruments.

The Arabic, French, German and Italian languages were all represented.

“Golden,” said Carolina Chivas, after being asked what the Arab culture and language mean to her. “Arabic is golden. It is difficult to explain the culture and language in just one sentence.”

“Rich in history,” Benjamin Montz answered after being asked to describe German culture and language.

“La vie est bell,” said Brian Vader, president of the French club. “Life is beautiful. They cherish day-to-day life, the smallest encounter they take into consideration.”

“Family oriented” and “traditional,” are the words Walter Sois and Herrian Maldorado described used to describe the Italian culture and language.

On the authenticity of the cast of popular reality television show “Jersey Shore,” Sois and Maldorado both agreed, “…They are media based, they are not real Italians. Italians would not disrespect their culture, family and values the way they do.”

“I think many Italians must be upset when watching that show since it has nothing to do with culture and it’s embarrassing to watch hearing them call (themselves) Italians,” said Maldorado. “I find it degrading, and I am Mexican!” 

Erika Pilar, a vendor at the event, said, “I’ve helped sell these items for the past three years,” gesturing toward the clothing, jewelry and necklaces before him. “They are from different parts of Mexico.”

There was also an information booth called “Proworld,” which many students signed up for. 

Proworld is for students who want to study, volunteer or intern abroad  and experience what life is like in a developing country. Students can gain this experience in one-week, one-month, or three-month sessions.

For more information about Proworld go to www.proworldvolunteers.org.