On March 19, Grand Valley State University’s Department of Modern Languages and Literatures hosted an inclusive multicultural gathering titled “Medley: A Celebration of Languages and the Arts” at the Cook-Dewitt Center.
The event brought students and faculty from various backgrounds together to experience the various cultures and languages present at GVSU. Musical performances, puppetry, poetry, film, dance, food and theatre were just some of the activities for attendees to take part in. English translations were provided for those who did not speak the language in the performances.
Students were encouraged to participate in activities specific to their culture and experience other cultures as well. With a variety of art and performances from English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Latin and Italian cultures represented at the event, the wide array of cultural performances provided students with a strengthened global perspective.
Among the performers at the event was Qays Yaser Almallah, a sophomore at GVSU who studies Arabic. Almallah said the event provided an excellent outlet for students to become involved with culturally diverse programs and activities. Additionally, Almallah said this was a great opportunity for students to share pieces of themselves through performing.
Almallah recited a poem by renowned Syrian poet Nazar Qabbani. Almallah said he chose one of Qabbani’s poems because of his desire to spread love and generosity at the celebration, which are central themes in Qabbani’s poetry. Simultaneously, Almallah said it’s equally important to dismantle harmful stereotypes surrounding Arabic culture.
“More often than not, Arab culture is depicted with negativity in Western media, but love and generosity are two of the most central themes that emerge in Arabic literature and poetry,” Almallah said. “I wanted to highlight the centrality of love that people celebrate in Arab culture, as it is something that is shared almost universally among cultures across the world.
Other students at the event, including sophomore Andy Hardgrave, who is minoring in French at GVSU, praised the various performances throughout the night, specifically the musical numbers. Hardgrave said culture-exposing events like “Medley” have been a crucial part of his education at GVSU.
“It’s a neat intersection for creativity and language, which makes for culture,” Hardgrave said. “It was also a really nice and inclusive celebration of diversity, with more than a handful of different backgrounds given time on the stage.”
Hardgrave said the event encouraged all people, not just those studying foreign languages, to appreciate the melting pot of cultures.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see students from some of my other non-language classes at (the) foreign language event,” Hardgrave said.
Furthermore, Almallah emphasized the importance of events like Medley at predominately white institutions. Almallah said celebrations of languages and art help “broaden the horizons” of students who may not be exposed to cultures other than their own, which empowers them to embrace their differences.
“Being a minority at Grand Valley has been challenging at times, but having outlets to celebrate and embrace my culture, as well as other cultures, via events like Medley has been an incredible source of empowerment,” Almallah said. “The negativity and othering that culturally diverse students face is something we can combat by giving these students the opportunity to share and embrace the most beautiful aspects of their cultures.”
