Language Fair provides an opportunity for high school students from across the state studying French, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish to demonstrate their acquisition of language and culture in various competitive events. The events are judged by the faculty and graduate students of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

Competitive Events

In each event, a top performance (1^st place) and an honorable mention (2^nd place) will be awarded. Students will be evaluated on three levels:

• Level 1 students have 1 or 2 years of language study,
• Level 2 students have completed 3 or more years of a language, and
• Native Speaker.

NOTE: Native Speakers of Spanish can only win 1^st and 2^nd place in music and poetry. All performances must be live - we will not accept video recorded entries.

Students can compete in five different categories: Drama, Folk Dance, Music, Poetry, and Poster.

Drama

Each class is encouraged to present one scene from dramatic literature or an original skit written by the students in the target language.

Folk Dance

Dances must be appropriate to the language or culture studied and must be introduced by a short memorized explanation (including period, style, country, etc.) delivered in both English and in the target language.

Music (Solo, Duet or Group)

Music performances must be relevant to the country and language studied and be introduced by a short, memorized explanation of this relevance in the target language. The music itself need not be memorized.

Poetry

Appropriate poems for each level would be those found in your textbooks, but may be drawn from other sources, e.g., in French from poets such as Verlaine or Prévert; in Spanish: Garcia Lorca, Quevedo; in German: Goethe or Brecht.

Poster: Historical Buildings

Registration for the poster competition will happen on-site. Students are invited to design a colorful and informative poster for display and judging.

See right for forms and additional information.

Non-Competitive Events

Participants practice speaking in foreign languages at tables staffed by DMLL faculty and students

There are a variety of other opportunities students have while attending the Language Fair. Language mini-lessons will be available throughout the day, giving students an opportunity to dabble in cultures from around the world. International folk dancing will also be taught - participants will be encouraged to shake a leg!

UNL's Van Brunt Visitor's Center will be open for students and teachers to learn more about our campus and obtain information about enrolling. If your students are interested in a study abroad program, the Office of International Affairs will have a booth at the fair with information about programs and opportunities available to them.