Close X
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
ADVT 
Lifestyle

Celebrating International Mother Language Day in Surrey

Bear Creek Pavilion20 Feb '16 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Celebrating International Mother Language Day in Surrey

This Saturday, February 20, speaking in tongues will be a good thing.

To honour the UNESCO-designated International Mother Language Day observed annually on Feb. 21, the Department of Language and Cultures at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is hosting an event that will celebrate all mother tongues, and the contribution they collectively make to the richness and diversity of the Lower Mainland.

“This event commemorates the important role language plays in our lives and communities,” said Päivi Koskinen, a KPU linguistics faculty member. “In past years, many Lower Mainland community groups have recognized International Mother Language Day as an opportunity to promote individual languages. Few events have focused on the linguistic diversity of the area by celebrating all mother tongues collectively.”

Held from 2-5 p.m. on Feb. 20, the festivities will bring together speakers who represent the wide variety of languages spoken in KPU's Richmond and Surrey communities at Bear Creek Pavilion.

A blessing by KPU’s Elder-in-Residence will be followed by presentations, performances and visual displays of local indigenous and heritage languages, including Hul’q’umi’num’, Cree, Punjabi, Cantonese and Tagalog. Guests will also have the opportunity visit the “Lingua Aqua”, a public art piece erected in Bear Creek Park in 2009 as a tribute to both the multiplicity and commonality of language across cultures.

KPU’s Department of Language and Cultures is also bringing the Canadian Language Museum’s exhibit “Cree: the People’s Language” to KPU for a two-week showcase Feb. 15-26, the first time the exhibit will be on display in British Columbia.

“The goal is to help raise awareness about indigenous languages and culture in the province. Cree is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Canada, with communities of speakers stretching from coast to coast,” said Dr. Heather Bliss, member of the Canadian Language Museum’s board of directors.

The event is free, open to the public and an assortment of refreshments will be provided. More information is available here

Event Location Bear Creek Pavilion
Address: Bear Creek Park, 13750 - 88 Avenue
Post Code: V3W 3L1

MORE Lifestyle ARTICLES

Review: Kooza is magnificent, electrifying and thrilling

Review: Kooza is magnificent, electrifying and thrilling

88 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver | 29/10/2015 - 27/12/2015

Cirque Du Soleil’s Kooza is magnificent, electrifying and thrilling – one must see it to believe it.

Review: Kooza is magnificent, electrifying and thrilling

29/10/2015 - 27/12/2015

VIBC Society presents TransFusion

New Surrey City Hall, Centre Stage 13450-104 Avenue, Surrey, BC | 03/12/2015 - 03/12/2015

Blending experiences of African dance, tap, flamenco, hip-hop and motifs of bhangra through performance, December 3, 2015 at New Surrey City Hall 

VIBC Society presents TransFusion

03/12/2015 - 03/12/2015

Peter and the Starcatcher

162 West 1st Avenue | 26/11/2015 - 27/12/2015

 
THE PETER PAN PREQUEL FOR ALL OF US WHO NEVER GREW UP

Peter and the Starcatcher

26/11/2015 - 27/12/2015

2016 Surrey International Children’s Festival tickets on sale NOW!

Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park | 26/05/2016 - 28/05/2016

The 12th annual Surrey International Children’s Festival will run from May 26 to 28, 2016 at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park.

2016 Surrey International Children’s Festival tickets on sale NOW!

26/05/2016 - 28/05/2016

Celebrating International Education Week at KPU

KPU’s Richmond, Surrey and Langley campuses | 16/11/2015 - 20/11/2015

Each year, universities in over 100 countries around the world commemorate International Focus Week – known widely as International Education Week (IEW). Held November 16-20, IEW showcases the impact of international education, and at KPU, a variety of activities will highlight how international learning creates global citizens ready to thrive in and contribute to increasingly multicultural communities.

Celebrating International Education Week at KPU

16/11/2015 - 20/11/2015

FlyOver® Canada Celebrates the Holiday Season with a Magical Flight to the North Pole

FlyOver® Canada Celebrates the Holiday Season with a Magical Flight to the North Pole

201-999 Canada Pl | 27/11/2015 - 05/01/2016

 

Join Santa Claus on a simulated flight across Canada and then on to the North Pole in this treasured holiday tradition at Canada Place

FlyOver® Canada Celebrates the Holiday Season with a Magical Flight to the North Pole

27/11/2015 - 05/01/2016