2025 Multilingual Week

February 28, 2025

by Ardalan Rezamand

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Now in its fourth year, Multilingual Week 2025 was a university-wide celebration that showcases the rich diversity of languages spoken within our community. This vibrant, week-long festival brought together students, faculty, and staff to honor the cultural and linguistic diversity at SFU and beyond. Highlights included keynote speeches, social events, panels, roundtable discussions, workshops, and a closing symposium. Visit the Multilingual Week’s Website for a complete listing of programs and events.

Here are some of the Multilingual Week events hosted by the Department of World Languages and Literatures:

Breaking Barriers: Embraching Multilingualism in Professional Spaces

On Monday, February 24th, and as part of SFU’s Multilingual Week celebrations, this roundtable brought together five BC professionals in a discussion about multilingualism at the workplace. Panelist discussed how multilingualism enhanced organizational effectiveness, equity, and diversity within the workplace and beyond. This unique roundtable was designed to offer SFU students – future professionals and community members – a unique perspective on the importance of linguistic diversity in professional settings from different language speakers and language experts.

Take a look at the video and find out how knowledge of languages sets you up for success in your life and career!!!

Bridging Borders: The Role of Multilingualism in Research

On Tuesday, February 25th, and as part of SFU’s Multilingual Week celebrations, this roundtable brought together four SFU researchers in a discussion about how multilingualism enhances research, outcomes, and diversity at the university and beyond.This roundtable was designed to offer SFU students – future professionals and community members – a unique perspective on the importance of linguistic diversity in academic research.

Take a look at the video and hear from different language speakers and language experts. Find out how knowledge of languages sets you up for success in your academic career!!!

SFU's Multilingual Week 2025 - Tabling Events

The Multilingual Booths are among the most popular events of SFU’s Multilingual Week, now in its fourth year. During Multilingual Week (Feb. 24-Mar. 1), these interactive booths were along AQ South, just around the corner from Mackenzie Cafe. Running from 11am to 3pm, the booths hosted many SFU departments, student clubs, etc.

There were lots of activities happening each day, watch the short clip for more!

WLL Career Night

Part of SFU's Multilingual Week 2025 Celebration, World Languages and Literatures' Career Night took place on the evening of February 28th. The roundtable consisted of a panel of six former WL and Language students. Each participant gave a five-minute description of what they are doing now and how world literature or language-study helped them get to where they are. Panelist also discussed what they found most useful and enjoyable about their undergraduate study and what they would do differently if they had to do it over.

Take a look at these short interview with our panelists!