UW’S WLCP Goes Global with Ongoing Fall Sessions

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - The university of Wyoming’s World Language and Cultural Program is offering 18 free sessions via Zoom this Fall. The founder, Dilnoza Khasilova, a UW graduate who earned her doctoral degree in literacy studies, and is a current Global Engagement Fellow in UW’s Global Engagement Office, said that these sessions are not like your typical classes, but rather a community.

“I think the importance of our language and cultural program is that it provides opportunities to develop cross cultural understandings and it’s... more flexible, free...” Khasilova said. “You ask me anything you want, I’ll be friendly and explain it to you. And if there’s something you don’t like that I’m telling you can clarify and ask me ‘oh, is this something you do in your culture?’ And I think it’s the most friendly... educating each other about that.”

The program uses educators from different countries who volunteer to share their language and culture. The WLCP added 4 new languages when more people internationally found out about the program and offered to be a part of the virtual community. Recently, English culture and language classes were added for people coming from other countries to the states who would like to know more about the US and Wyoming. The key, Khasilova said, has been being able to use online technology to bring everyone together.

“With Zoom, we can go global, and add more, less commonly taught languages,” Khasilova said. “That’s the kind of focus as well. That is we cannot have resources or access to those languages... we really want to add those languages.”

Those looking to register, volunteer or find out more can go to the WLCP website.