In Abington, Pennsylvania, a unique student-led project has brought attention to the importance of heritage languages in the Philadelphia area. With backing from Penn State Abington’s Undergraduate Community-Engaged Research Awards, a team of students worked alongside Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn, an associate professor, to explore how community efforts can improve language education.
The project culminated in the Forum on Community-Based Heritage Language Education, where students presented their findings. Dr. Senyshyn noted that the hands-on research allowed students to gain practical experience in engaging with local communities and understanding language dynamics.
The team, consisting of Elli Bell, Laurie Flemming, Vittoria Marongiu, Joscelin Montoya-Rojas, Sofia Pawluk, and Annie Wray, didn’t need to be multilingual to participate. They represented a range of fields of study, from health humanities to business, and brought their diverse backgrounds into the project.
Throughout the year, the students undertook vital tasks:
- They researched heritage language acquisition and gathered educational resources.
- They spoke with administrators from local heritage language schools.
- They built a dedicated website to showcase their findings.
- They mapped languages spoken in the area to highlight community diversity.
- They organized events to connect students and faculty interested in language.
Presenting at the conference not only boosted their public speaking skills but also bolstered their confidence in networking. “It opened the door to future opportunities,” said Marongiu, an international student.
Wray, majoring in education, emphasized how the project deepened her understanding of the relationship between language and cultural influences on learning. Montoya-Rojas applied what she learned in her computer science classes to a real-world context while managing multiple commitments.
The camaraderie among the team was a crucial aspect of the experience. “We felt like a tight-knit family, always there to support each other,” Pawluk shared.
The project’s outcomes touch on broader trends in education and community engagement. According to recent studies, bilingual education can significantly enhance cognitive skills and cultural awareness among students. These benefits align perfectly with Penn State Abington’s mission to prepare students for successful careers while making a positive impact on local communities.
Chancellor Gary Liguori praised the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the university’s focus on student research and engagement as essential elements for a successful transition from campus to career.
Learn more about Penn State Abington’s commitment to community engagement and languages here.
