Summer 2025 Global Seminars Program: ASIX 400 - Indigenous Environmentalism and Nepali Language

Applications for Summer Global Seminars are open, including ASIX 400! Led by Assistant Prof. Pasang Yangjee Sherpa and Adjunct Prof. Binod Shrestha, this course will explore the intersection of language and environment on the ancestral territory of the Newa people, now known as Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Students will learn about the rich Newa civilization, practice their Nepali, and get exposure to Indigenous languages from all around Nepal currently spoken in the valley.

Applications close on December 5.

2024 Japanese Language Program Writing Contest

The Japanese Language Program is holding an essay and short fiction contest open to all students enrolled in JAPN courses in 2024 Winter Term 1 or 2, or those who have taken a JAPN course in the past. 

Bring out your creativity and explore diverse perspectives and ways of thinking through writing in a newly learned language!

Submissions are due by November 30.

From Classroom Assignment to Published Legacy: A Grandmother’s Bilingual Storybook Journey

Chinese Language Program student Barbara Kennedy has turned a class assignment into a heartwarming legacy.

What began as a project for CHIN 333, has blossomed into a beautifully crafted children’s book titled “你的文化是怎么称呼 Grandmother?”, weaving together language, family, and cultural tradition. The project was more than an academic task—it became a gift to her granddaughter and a reflection on the importance of cultural storytelling across generations.

Exploring Sustainable Revitalization of Cantonese as a Heritage Language in Vancouver’s Chinatown

With funding from the Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund, the Cantonese Language Program is partnering with Wongs' Benevolent Association to reopen the historic Mon Keang Chinese School in Vancouver’s Chinatown for immersive Cantonese language learning through a four-week course in Fall 2024.

The course will combine classroom instruction in ‘survival Cantonese’ with experiential learning in local businesses like greengrocers and cafes, providing students the opportunity to apply their lessons in real-world settings.

Planet-Friendly Wrapping (Part 1): Making Furoshiki for Sustainable Gift-giving

As we approach the holiday season, come join the first of a two-part series to learn, create and use furoshiki, a traditional practice in Japan for centuries. Furoshiki involves folding fabric for a variety of practical uses, including gift-wrapping. In this first workshop, Dr. Elly Yazdanpanah, a post-doctoral fellow in Art Education at UBC, will instruct participants on how to create sheets of furoshiki by sewing together fabric remnants. No previous experience is required, and all supplies will be provided to help you incorporate this unique and sustainable practice into your gift-giving.

November 5, 3:30pm - 4:30pm PT

UBC Scarfe Building Room 1128

This is a free, drop-in workshop open to all.

Planet-friendly Wrapping (Part 2): Folding Furoshiki for Sustainable Gift-giving

Learn how you can incorporate the sustainable practice of furoshiki fabric wrapping into the upcoming holiday season at the second of our two-part workshop series! Japanese Studies Librarian Tomoko Kitayama Yen and student librarian Mizuki Giffin will provide context into the history and significance of furoshiki in Japanese culture and will then facilitate a workshop on the folding of furoshiki fabric to be used as gift-wrapping.

Participants who attend the first workshop in this series can use the furoshiki fabric that they created. You may also bring your own fabric (roughly 50 cm x 50 cm), or purchase furoshiki from our partners at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre ahead of time to be picked up at the workshop. Contact asian.library@ubc.ca if you are interested in pre-ordering.

November 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm PT

Main Floor, UBC Asian Library

This event is free but registration is required.