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Latin American Indigenous Languages Symposium To Premiere Additions to Collections

Leila Gomez is director of the Latin American Studies Center

Celebrate Latin American indigenous languages by exploring new book collections, academic scholarship and music this month at Norlin Library. 

The “Inclusive Collections and Courses: Latin American Indigenous Languages” symposium will formally recognize over 100 book titles that have been added to the University Libraries’ collections, including children’s books, adult literature, poetry, and more.

Romance Languages Librarian Kathia Ibacache said that the initiative started last year when a student expressed their concern over limitations in the Libraries’ collections. Ibacache heard the student and was excited to explore the opportunity to strengthen indigenous languages collections. 

The Boulder Children's Chorale will perform two Latin American language songs as part of the symposium. 

“In my opinion, universities have a responsibility to keep alive traditions from around the world that are at risk of dying out,” Ibacache said. “As librarians, it’s appropriate for us to strengthen the Libraries’ collections by adding works about indigenous languages and cultures, and especially works authored by indigenous authors, so that these languages, creators, and works continue to be part of the global narrative."

Symposium attendees will learn about Ibacache’s latest research in this area, and from Leila Gómez, director of the Latin American Studies Center, about forthcoming course offerings in the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Spanish and Portuguese.

Attendees will also experience a performance of Latin American indigenous language songs by the Boulder Children’s Chorale. 

Discover the role that universities can play in the revitalization of Latin American indigenous languages on March 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Center for British and Irish Studies (CBIS) on the 5th floor of Norlin.