Language: The Bridge Between Cultures

Multiculturalism proliferated in a moment in history when globalization took hold emphasizing the exchange of goods and services across oceans and borders. From these commercial exchanges also emerged cultural and linguistic trade where unfortunately often times tariffs tend to be much higher. Despite the fact what has resulted from global links is a multifaceted society where often times differences are not embraced but exalted as means of dividing human sentiment. And in this mosaic world, Language can serve as the bridge between cultures where as individuals we can interact freely without the politics of historical conflicts and thus promote equally the economic and cultural exchange between nations.

Cultural and linguistic exchange is precisely what the Hispanic Cultural Institute Opening Ceremony presented this past September 16th, 2008, with a wide array of folkloric dances, food and music in commemoration of Mexico's Independence Day. The Hispanic Cultural Institute (HCI) is an Archdiocesan Institute created last year with a great success at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Norman, Oklahoma for helping our Pastors, Deacons, lay leaders, English-speaking parishioners, and the general public to better understand the Hispanic culture. HCI also focuses on providing a more informed way to face the opportunities and challenges that our nation, state and parishes are facing with the presence of the ever increasing Spanish-speaking population. The teachings of the Catholic faith animate the vision, goals and objectives of the HCI in its work. Invoking the guidance of Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas, HCI wants to serve as an instrument if the celebration of the riches of our Catholic tradition in Oklahoma.

On behalf of the Hispanic Cultural Institute, we invite you to join us in our journey across the continent and immerse yourself in a program of exchange every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 pm in Parish Center (421 East Acres Street). The first portion of the course will offer a Cultural Presentation by a visiting Scholar (most from the University of Oklahoma), and the second portion will consist of Spanish language class, mostly taught by OU Instructors.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining, enrollment is currently open and will continue until October 7, 2008. You are welcome to pick up a brochure of the HCI and/or Registration from the Parish Center. The enrollment fee per semester is of $25 (made payable to St. Joseph's Catholic Church). For questions contact the Parish Office (405.321.8080), and/or email: mariadejp-ruiz@ou.edu or iruiz4@att.net.

We look forward to seeing you!!

Photograph from: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mml.cam.ac.uk/gradstudies/eurolit