Language, memory, future: Celebrating 250 years of language in our region

In celebration of 250 years of independence and democracy in America, this series of events celebrates the richness of languages of America focusing primarily on the histories and futures of two regional communities of national importance, the Deaf community and the nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, especially the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ.

Events include:

"Indigenous Peoples and Languages in the Cayuga Lake Region,” a talk by Kurt Jordan, Professor of Anthropology and American Indian and Indigenous Studies, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15, Tompkins County Public LibraryLanguages at the Brink: A Cornell University Library exhibit focused on endangered languages, opens Oct. 22Cornell’s 6th annual World Languages Day, Oct. 24“Where ASL Lives: Language, Place, and Deaf Community Identity,” a talk by Brenda Schertz, teaching professor of ASL at Cornell University and coordinator of Cornell’s ASL/Deaf Studies Program, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 29, Tompkins County Public Library Film night at Cornell Cinema, Nov. 54:30 p.m.: “Deaf President Now!” The story of the 1988 student protest at Gallaudet University that led to the appointment of the university’s first Deaf president. The event will include a talk by Greg Hlibok, one of the student leaders featured in the film. 7:30 p.m.: “Fancy Dance” tells the story of a woman on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation searching for her missing sister while also introducing her niece to her first powwow.Keynote talk and performances, Nov. 6

Klarman Atrium and Rhodes-Rawlings Auditorium

4:30 p.m.: "America’s languages under threat: Institutional responses and grassroots resilience," Keynote talk by Daniel Kaufman, Director, Endangered Language Alliance, & Associate Professor, Queens College6 p.m.: Reception in Klarman Atrium6:30-9 p.m. Performances by Flying Words Project and the Ongwe'hon:wehkah Smoke DancersDuring intermissions, attendees can try their hand at learning some words and phrases in ASL and Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ. There will also be tables set up with materials for buttons/stickers and other hands-on projects related to language learning.

ASL/English interpretation will be provided at all events.