(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 27, 2004) – The Phoenix College Foreign Languages Department will host A Celebration of Languages conference on Friday, March 5 in honor of National Foreign Language Month. The half-day conference on international cultures and languages will get underway at 8:30 a.m. in the Bulpitt Auditorium.

The free conference will provide Central Phoenix middle school youth with an opportunity to learn more about the many different languages and cultures around the world. It will also give students a hands-on experience with the languages and cultures represented at Phoenix College, including Spanish, French, Italian, Navajo, Japanese and others.

This event usually brings about 250 middle school students onto the Phoenix College campus to celebrate and participate in a number of unique workshops including:

- Japanese Language & Culture
- Navajo Language & Culture
- A Virtual Visit to Spanish Speaking Countries
- Irish Dance
- A European Experience
- Images of Mexico
- Panel: I’m Bilingual
- A Phrase Around the World
- A Hawaiian Cultural Experience

In addition to attending the workshops, students from Magnet Traditional School and Wilson School/Wilson and Community Center will be entertained by local artist and world-renowned mask-maker, Zarco Guerrero. His presentation is entitled Face to Face.

"This is a wonderful opportunity and great exposure for middle school students," said Loida Gutierrez, Phoenix College Spanish instructor. "It gives students a chance to see that college can be fun and exciting. Also, students from a number of culturally diverse backgrounds can identify with the students that are already here at Phoenix College."

The conference is free and open to local middle school students.

For more information, please call (602) 285-7722.

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