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Inaugural Panel Recap: Speaking the World: Multilingualism and Cultural Fluency in the Professional World

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On November 2, 2024, I had the pleasure of moderating the inaugural panel discussion for our new book, Speaking the World, held during the Bilingual Education Fair at Villa Albertine in New York. This first event in a series brought together esteemed experts to discuss how multilingualism and cultural fluency drive personal, educational, and professional growth. Our speakers each brought a wealth of experience in global competencies, bilingual education, and leadership.

Panel Highlights
Each panelist introduced themselves and shared their unique perspectives on the importance of multilingualism in a globalized world:

  • Sergio Adrada-Rafael is an Associate Professor of Spanish and Applied Linguistics at Fairfield University, specializing in Second Language Acquisition, psycholinguistics, and Spanish for the professions. His research has been widely published, and he brings expertise in bilingualism and its impact on professional growth.
  • Armineh Petrossian is a multilingual educator at the International School of Boston with over 20 years of experience in international education. Holding an Ed.D. from Northeastern University, she focuses on curriculum development, cultural intelligence, and leadership in education.
  • Michele Gerring is a Visiting Assistant Professor of French at Susquehanna University. With experience in bilingual programs, particularly in Florida, her research focuses on dual-language education and Francophone studies.
  • Mehdi Lazar is the Academic Director at the International School of Boston. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography and is an expert in global competencies, intercultural leadership, and school leadership, with a focus on preparing students for a globalized world. Mehdi co-edited this book with me.
  • Pascal Vallet is the Director of the United Nations International School (UNIS) and an expert in AI integration in education. He focuses on how AI can enhance learning while promoting leadership and cultural fluency in students.

Key Takeaways

  1. Dual Language Programs Enhance Academic and Cognitive Development
    Michele Gerring discussed how dual-language programs benefit students beyond language skills, improving cognitive function and setting them up for greater success in an interconnected world.
  2. Multilingualism as a Pathway to Cultural Intelligence
    Armineh Petrossian underscored that multilingualism doesn’t only build language skills; it fosters cultural intelligence, which is vital for navigating today’s multicultural workplaces and communities.
  3. Cultural Experiences as Professional Assets
    Sergio Adrada-Rafael emphasized the power of study abroad programs in building cultural fluency and how these experiences provide students with an advantage as they enter global careers.
  4. Global Competencies as Essential Skills
    Mehdi Lazar shared that fostering adaptability, empathy, and intercultural understanding in students is crucial for preparing them to succeed in a globally connected workforce.
  5. AI’s Complementary Role in Language Learning
    Pascal Vallet explored how AI can support traditional language education, noting that while AI is a useful tool, the human element remains essential for developing cultural fluency.

This inaugural session of Speaking the World provided valuable insights into how multilingualism and cultural fluency shape our personal and professional lives. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this inspiring event. Stay tuned for more sessions as we continue to explore these important themes!

Upcoming Events for Speaking the World

As excitement builds for the book’s official release, here are some upcoming events:

  • November 7, 2024 – Pre-Orders for Bookstores
    Speaking the World is now available for pre-order at tbr-books.org. Bookstores can secure early copies, giving readers a chance to explore the insights this book offers on multilingualism and cultural fluency.
  • November 19, 2024 – International School of Boston
    Our second pre-launch event will be held at the International School of Boston. This session will explore how multilingualism and cultural intelligence shape education and global business, creating a forum for educators, students, and professionals to discuss the book’s insights and its relevance in today’s interconnected world.
  • January 1, 2025 – Publication Date
    Speaking the World will officially release on January 1, 2025, with full distribution available for readers eager to delve into its exploration of cultural fluency in the global workforce.
  • January 15, 2025 – eBook Release
    The ebook version of Speaking the World will be available starting January 15, 2025, bringing the book’s insights to readers in a convenient digital format.

Thank you to everyone who attended our inaugural session and helped launch this important conversation. Stay tuned for more events in the Speaking the World series, and join us as we continue to explore how multilingualism and cultural fluency are reshaping the modern world.

Watch the panel