Seth Wiener, associate professor of second language acquisition and Chinese studies, and his colleagues recently completed a multi-year study showing that learners can improve their ability to perceive and categorize unfamiliar speech sounds by playing a specially designed video game. In fact, participants who trained with the game performed just as well as those who used more conventional explicit learning exercises.

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Mame-Fatou Niang has been selected for a residency at the French Academy in Rome's Villa Medici, Europe's oldest arts and writing residency, founded in 1666. During her time there, she will complete Néoblaste, an art notebook inspired by regenerative stem cells, using Rome's layered history as a lens for exploring memory as a living form that endures historical rupture.

Students in 82-260 Black Italy enjoyed a conversation with Camilla Hawthorne, associate professor of sociology at University of California, Santa Cruz. Dr. Hawthorne discussed her research and answered questions on Black Mediterranean geographies, the accomplishments and struggles of Black Italians in Italy and the similarities and differences between Italy and the U.S. 

LCAL's language conversation groups are open to all students at CMU, regardless of field of study or experience level. Our conversation groups offer students the opportunity to practice their language skills in a relaxed environment while engaging in fun cultural activities like playing games, dancing, watching movies/tv shows, eating snacks, etc. All meetings will take place in the LCAL Studio and Humanities Commons (POS 343), unless otherwise noted.

Please note: groups only meet when regular classes are in session.

In an age defined by rapid technological transformation and deepening global interconnectedness, LCAL has launched a bachelor’s degree that bridges cultures and emerging technologies. The B.A. in Global Cultures & Emerging Technologies (GCET) prepares students to shape technology not only as a tool of innovation but to reflect and interact with global cultural dynamics.

Complementing the undergraduate major is Carnegie Mellon’s new pre-college program in Global Cultures and Emerging Technology, an immersive summer experience designed for high school students who are eager to explore the intersection of culture and emerging technologies. Now accepting applications, the program's deadline for international students and to be considered for scholarships is February 1; all other applicants should apply by March 1.

We are continuing to accept applications for our summer 2026 study abroad programs in Doha, Qatar; Freiburg, Germany; Madrid, Spain; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China.

Scholarships are available to any student participating in one of our seven programs. Plus, declared LCAL majors are guaranteed a scholarship! We're also excited to offer additional funding to students participating in the Doha program. The application deadline for these programs (and scholarships) has been extended to Mon., Feb. 16!

• M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition
• Next deadline is March 1
• M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition — Advanced Study
• Next deadline is March 1
• M.A. in Global Communication & Applied Translation
• Includes 4+1 options for current CMU undergraduates
• Next deadline is March 11

Visit our website for more details!