17th TRW | Immersed in language

Published May 16, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The Presidio of Monterey is home to the renowned Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, which hosted its annual Language Day, an event dedicated to celebrating the languages and cultures represented within its schools. This event offers students a chance to showcase their linguistic proficiency and deepen their understanding of the diverse societies they study.

"Students aren't just learning a language here," said Col. Jennifer L. Saraceno, 517th Training Group commander. "They're also learning about culture; because that is a key element to language. You can't really grasp the language aspect if you really don't understand the culture associated with it."

Immersed in language

Students assigned to the 517th Training Squadron perform Buchaechum during Language Day at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Calif., May 12, 2023. Buchaechum is a Korean fan dance originating from various traditional and religious Korean dances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

For the students enrolled in the intensive language programs, Language Day serves multiple purposes. It offers a much-needed break from the rigor of their studies, allowing students to rejuvenate while still immersing themselves in an environment rich with linguistic and cultural diversity.

"It's a chance for them to show off everything that they've learned," said Saraceno. "And we all know that if you spend 100% of your time in the books studying all the time, you're gonna lose a little bit of your edge. This gives them the opportunity to show themselves and others that they've learned."

Language Day also acts as a reward for the students' hard work. It grants them the chance to exhibit everything they have learned and acquired throughout their language courses.

“Language day is a chance to show the skills I've developed in my classes here,” said Airman 1st Class Hannah Foger, 517th TRS Modern Standard Arabic linguist student. “It's so much fun to see the performances of people who are passionate about the culture they are studying and sharing their language with all the people who visit the fair”

For students like Airman Foger, Language Day serves as a platform to proudly demonstrate their linguistic abilities and engage with others who share their passion.

Language Day at the Presidio of Monterey is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the power of language and culture. By providing an outlet for students to immerse themselves in the languages they study and share their knowledge with others, this occasion fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie within the language learning community. It reinforces the belief that language development extends beyond words and phrases; it is a gateway to understanding and connecting with diverse societies.

Immersed in language

A student assigned to the 517th Training Squadron plays Ddakji during Language Day at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Calif., May 12, 2023. Ddakji is a Korean game that is won by flipping the other player's card. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

Immersed in language

A student assigned to the 517th Training Squadron teaches visitors how to craft a frog from clay during Language Day at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Calif., May 12, 2023. Students ran booths representing the culture they study at DLI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

Immersed in language

Members attending the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Language Day get their passports stamped, Calif., May 12, 2023. Visitors received passports and traveled to booths representing countries students assigned to the 517th Training Squadron learn about and received a stamp after completing games and trivia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)

Immersed in language

A member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment horse detachment slices a watermelon during a demonstration at Language Day at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Calif., May 12, 2023. The members demonstrated proficiency and coordination as a group and individuals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch)