The power of languages

All kinds of verse — spoken, sung, and slammed — will echo around the Grind on Nov. 21 as multilingual Clarkies take the stage in The Grind to share their poems.

The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) will host its second International Poetry Night from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring a taste of the more than 80 languages spoken by students, faculty, and staff. Each performance will be accompanied by an English translation, and students may perform in English as well.

“We really want to question the idea of what an American language is,” says Nico Gareca, academic specialist at ALCI and organizer of the event. “We live in one of the most diverse cities in New England. We want to promote and encourage that.”

Gareca hopes the audience will feel fully immersed in the original language and cadence of each work.

Monolingual students are encouraged to attend and connect with students who speak multiple languages.

“We love people who are interested in languages,” Gareca says. “Even if you consider yourself monolingual, you’re welcome to come and enjoy the beauty of different languages.”

Gareca believes the night of performances embodies what it is to be a liberal arts student and a Clarkie. He’s excited to see the multilingual and international communities come together to present diverse work.

“I hope that this event can be one of the times where we all are recognized, feel welcomed, and feel applauded for,” Gareca says. “It can be hard to read and share things, even if it’s not your own words. It’s a pretty gentle crowd and everyone’s really happy to be there.”

Poets wishing to present should email Nico Gareca with their poems, and any questions, by Tuesday, Nov. 19.