As a Spanish major, Catherine Brosnahan understands that perfecting grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are important aspects of language learning. For her, however, the real growth and excitement comes when language is connected to culture. “All of my courses here incorporate politics, literature, heritage, and more into the curriculum to give us a deeper connection to the Spanish language,” she said. “To me, there is no limit to language learning. Even when I think I’ve mastered the Spanish language, there will always be more knowledge to absorb.”
Her enthusiasm for the dynamic and ongoing process of language learning has been invigorated by a new center on campus. Last fall, the URI Language Center transformed from a traditional language lab into an active hub that encourages communication, interaction, and engagement. The lab’s computer stations were removed (although students can still check out devices from the office), and study pods and a bean bag reading area were installed. There are books and games offered in a variety of languages, and they are used by faculty and students alike during tutoring and “conversation buddies” sessions, reading clubs, film nights, and various faculty-and-student-led events.
Brosnahan, who is majoring in public relations in addition to Spanish, began working in the Center in the fall 2021 semester. She leads one-on-one tutoring sessions and a weekly tertulia – a social gathering with snacks, discussion, and games. “Though I originally started tutoring simply to have an on-campus job, I can’t speak highly enough of this position,” she said. “The amount of friends, connections, and experiences I’ve had in the Language Center couldn’t be found anywhere else on campus, as it is such a unique phenomenon to connect with peers through our target language.”
Brosnahan encourages students who are majoring in a language or simply interested in getting involved in an active, welcoming community to check out the space. “The Center’s environment has grown as a resource for students to relax in between classes, meet with tutors or other language students, engage in conversation, watch movies or listen to music in their language, read magazines in their language, play games, and much more,” she said. “A space like this that uplifts, inspires, and motivates students to proactively learn their target language is an essential part of learning.”
URI currently offers majors in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and the Classics (Latin and Ancient Greek), as well as courses in Portuguese and American Sign Language. The URI Language Center is located in Swan 301, and it’s open to all students – not just languages majors. It can be reserved for activities such as student-organized clubs.