VMU invites to events of Mother Language Day

On 20-21 February, Vytautas Magnus University invites the community of VMU and Transform4Europe alliance to join its events dedicated to the UN-announced International Mother Language Day. The theme of the events is “My tongue is my uniqueness: dare not to disappear”. The events are dedicated to VMU’s presidency of the T4EU Alliance.

The program will begin with events dedicated to the Ukrainian language and its varieties, highlighting the fundamental role of language in shaping national identity, resilience, and unity. On 20 February, at 5 p.m. (EET), an evening gathering will be held at VMU Center of Research and Studies (23 V. Putvinskio g., 1st floor lobby), titled “Українською, будь ласка” (“In Ukraїnian, please”), which will offer a meaningful way to experience the essence of Ukrainian heritage. After an interactive networking session, the Light of Hearts Flashmob will be held, dedicated to the anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine: using flashlights, participants will form symbolic images representing Ukraine. This year’s goal is to recreate the Dove of Peace and the unique Ukrainian letter “Ї”. Afterwards, Ukrainian Music Session will invite attendees to sing along to the most beloved Ukrainian songs, and Open Mic will provide a chance for everyone to perform or share personal stories.

On 21 February, language classes delivered at VMU Institute of Foreign Languages will be devoted to regional or social language variations, such as those of German-speaking countries, as well as translanguaging and other topics. On the occasion of the International Mother Language Day, VMU lecturers will be encouraged to take the opportunity to speak in their native variety during all of the subject lectures of the day. The lectures are only for VMU students.

At 10 a.m., a guided game will be played at VMU Center of Research and Studies (23 V. Putvinskio g., Room 103) where VMU students or pairs of students will present their language in a monologue, a conversation or a short performance and the participants will be able to join in identifying or guessing the demonstrated languages using Kahoot. Winners will receive prizes, and everyone will be rewarded with an exciting time!

The final event will be a concert and open mic, which will take place at VMU Theatre (27 S. Daukanto, 1st floor, Kaunas) at 5 p.m. on 21 February. After a concert by Rokas Kašėta, whose work blends Dzūkian folklore and other popular music genres in the Dzūkian variety, the stage will open up to everyone who wishes to showcase their creations or reveal their talents in their native tongue or a deeply beloved variety. The audience will judge open mic performances with applause and the winners will receive prizes. Each presentation should last 2-3 minutes. The event is free and open to the general public. Prior registration is required for those wishing to perform on stage.