KNUST to introduce Spanish Language course
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has taken a significant step towards promoting linguistic diversity and cultural immersion with a plan to introduce Spanish Language and Culture as one of the academic programmes at the Department of Language and Communication Sciences.
This was disclosed by Dr. Nuria Otero, the Founder of the KNUST Spanish club in an exclusive interview with the Department’s ICT Office.
Dr. Otero disclosed that the introduction of the Spanish Language and Culture programme will eventually lead to the award of degrees, and forms part of efforts to foster good cultural relations between Spain and Ghana while also offering students more opportunities to unlock their linguistic potential and build more exciting careers.
She indicated that KNUST Spanish Club was formed on January 23, 2022, to help promote Spanish language and culture in the country.
“The club was formed to offer students with interest in languages, specifically the Spanish language, the opportunity to study the language, know the culture, and to purposely bridge gaps to allow for diversity and enhance communication,” she stated.
According to her, the inception of the Spanish Club in KNUST marked a significant milestone in the department's commitment to fostering linguistic diversity. Notably, she said, the Club has played a pivotal role in the introduction of Spanish as one of the short courses to be rolled out by the Department of Language and Communication Sciences next academic year. This course is projected to evolve into a minor course and eventually a major course with the award of relevant degrees, she added.
She indicated that one significant achievement is the club's contribution to language education. “The club can confidently say that it has been able to produce over 50 students who can have a basic conversation in the language,” she stated.
She further indicated that the club offered a myriad of activities, including Spanish cooking workshops, movie nights, elections of club leadership, dancing workshops and board games, and added that there were plans to introduce new activities such as karaoke, reading, theatre performances and poetry.
The club's leadership is headed by Dr. Nuria Otero as the founder, Daniel Owusu Antwi as President, and Nana Osei Tutu as Vice President.
According to Dr. Otero, members have the opportunity to socialize and meet people with the same interests, as well as benefit from opportunities that the Spanish Embassy offers, such as educational scholarships or attendance to events.
She indicated that interested members can join the Club by registering at the Department of Language and Communication Sciences.
The club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm (first session) and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (second session). Workshops are held on Fridays and Saturdays. The schedule for the next academic year is yet to be confirmed.
“The KNUST Spanish Club stands as a testament to the university's commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural enrichment. As it continues to grow and evolve, the club invites students to join in the exploration of the Spanish language and culture, fostering connections and breaking down barriers in the process,” Dr. Otero stated.
Story: Hannah Addae