The Department of World Languages at Framingham State University offers a variety of classes in the areas of language arts, literature, linguistics, and culture.
The ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is at the core of the mission of the World Languages Department. Expressing oneself in languages beyond one’s native language makes it possible to view the world in new ways and engage with different cultural communities. Proficiency in other languages enables individuals to transit borders and experience the interconnectedness of our world. The benefits of learning other languages range from improved self-expression in one’s first language, enhanced cognitive abilities, sharpened critical thinking, and professional marketability.
Through literature, culture and linguistics courses as well as study-abroad opportunities, students gain an understanding of the diversity that is the very fabric of the communities in and around Framingham as well as across the globe. Our international faculty and students are actively engaged in the surrounding community and abroad through internships and partnerships with schools, universities and community agencies. Faculty and student research spans language, literature, culture, social, cultural, political and economic phenomena.
Our concentrations prepare students to be successful in a variety of careers such as in education, interpretation, business, international relations, or to embark on graduate studies in the United States and abroad.
In The Spotlight
In The Spotlight
La FRAMilia
La FRAMilia is the student-led Spanish newspaper at FSU, published once each fall and spring. Available in both digital and print formats, it showcases student voices and creativity, engages with the broader community beyond FSU, and highlights the presence and contributions of the Spanish-speaking community. Learn more about the initiative here.
Sigma Delta Pi won big awards this year!
Framingham State’s Nu Theta Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, who received an Honor Chapter Award & the Octavio Paz Award for their outstanding activities during the 2024-25 academic year. They are 1 of only 13 chapters to be awarded the distinction this year (out of 637!)
Emily Pacheco '21
World Languages
After graduating from the American Sign Language/English Interpreting concentration in 2021, Emily Pacheco immediately began pursuing state-level interpreting credentials while holding a job at Perspectives Corp. in Rhode Island as Interpreter Coordinator. She became an approved state-screened interpreter by fall of the same year, which allowed her to become licensed to work in the state of RI. Unlike most newly-minted interpreters who attempt national interpreter certification after working for several years, Emily attempted the National Interpreter Certification exam within 3 months. Her exemplary skills are partly due to her life-long exposure to American Sign Language as a child of Deaf parents.
During her time at FSU, Emily took a semester abroad at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she was bitten by the research bug. Upon graduating from FSU, Emily began investigating graduate programs with a goal of undertaking research related to interpreting.
She was accepted as a graduate student at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia where she is beginning her studies this spring. She received a scholarship from the Demers Foreign Language Fellowship Program of the Rhode Island Foundation and an additional generous scholarship from the American Australian Association Graduate Education Fund which is covering all her expenses.
Her research interests include the concept of language and culture brokering as performed by children of Deaf adults, with an emphasis on the brokering carried out by children whose Deaf parents have immigrated from elsewhere.We couldn’t be more proud of this alumna!
Spanish Club Sigma Delta Pi
Spanish
Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of South Carolina, a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. SDP partners with the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and the North American Academy of the Spanish Language.
It was founded at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1919. With over 600 chapters nationwide, SDP is a greatly respected and valued honor society. See the official website: https://sigmadeltapi.org.
Active community and campus engagement are vital components of SDP. FSU's organization is involved in celebrating and promoting Hispanic works of literature and cultures across campus at FSU as well as in the Framingham area. Activities and events on campus include Spanish conversation events, cooking events, film nights, and more. In addition, students use their Spanish skills to help and impact the local community. Some of the most notable student benefits of membership are the opportunity for national awards, grants, and scholarships, which can facilitate study abroad programs and provide money for graduate research grants.
For more information about FSU’s chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, contact Dr. Emilce Alejandra Cordeiro at ecordeiro [at] framingham.edu (ecordeiro[at]framingham[dot]edu).
Emilce Alejandra Cordeiro, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, World Languages Department
Bruce Bucci
Associate Professor, ASL, World Languages Department