-where cultures meet-

The idea behind the Language Open Day goes back to 2015, when we launched our first version of the event. It quickly became our most anticipated annual event. It is an event that targets students, staff, local community and international staff and consulates. It gathers many language booths, in addition to introductory, games and contest corners. It usually lasts 2-3 days during the beginning of the academic year, and it is located in the main square outdoors, where students of different backgrounds get to see and visit the booths.

 

The idea of creating the annual LOD came from a simple but powerful belief: learning languages opens doors, especially when many physical doors are closed. For Palestinian students who are deprived of safe and free mobility, languages become a way to cross borders, meet people and discover the world without leaving campus. Our vision is to turn language learning into a lived experience through culture discovery, in order to make students travel intellectually, emotionally and culturally while they are still at the university. That’s why even our language courses are offered by international native speakers.

Our mission is to create a welcoming and vibrant gathering where we break stereotypes about languages and cultures and where we encourage university students to learn languages. Languages are presented here to be felt and enjoyed, not only to be studied. Through real interaction, food, music and shared experiences, the LOD brings cultures closer and makes learning meaningful. It is a celebration of diversity, curiosity and human connection.

The Language Open Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of learning languages in today’s world, not only for careers and education, but for understanding others and oneself. It encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, to listen, ask questions, and see the world through different cultural lenses. The event also seeks to inspire students to continue learning languages and to actively engage with the programs offered by the LRC. Also, the event aims at presenting cultures and languages through the students volunteers’ eyes, who organize, gather information, prepare traditional food, which develops their communication and interactive skills.

The event is designed first and foremost for An-Najah students from all faculties and academic levels. At the same time, it welcomes faculty members, administrative staff, visiting school students and cultural partners, creating a shared space where everyone can learn from one another.

This year, we welcomed the Korean ambassador, the Russian house in Bethlehem, the Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission, the French attaché for academic cooperation, and other internationals from NGOs such MSF.

We collaborated also with a Karate center, as a representative game for Japan, who trained a group of children to present a show of Karate. We offered the opportunity to the audience to use VR glasses to visit some monuments in Italy. We also prepared live to the audience, some Korean food, French crêpes, Spanish churros, etc.

Over the years, the LOD has grown naturally and creatively. What began as a modest language showcase has turned into an immersive cultural journey. The event included cultural booths, with traditional food, cultural costumes, glimpses into history, calligraphy and writing systems, and simple language expressions. Students do not just observe, they taste, ask, try, laugh, and connect. With the presence of international representatives, or native volunteers, the audience feel that they are closer to the other culture, they speak with them, ask them, and get connected. 

That being said, international representatives are not always present because of political constraints. The event is supposed to be student to student activity, organized by students interested in a culture. It’s been 2 years that we didn’t host any teacher in person, even though we usually receive 4 to 6 each term. 

This year, the event featured 11 language booths, each telling its own story and offering a small piece of the world to the audience: English, Spanish, Turkish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and Sign language.

One of the most loved initiatives this year was the Language Passport. At the entrance, students received a symbolic passport that marked the beginning of their journey. As they visited each of the 11 language booths, interacted with presenters, and learned new information, they collected stamps, just like real travelers.
The journey ended at the Contest Corner, where students answered questions based on what they had discovered along the way. Prizes were offered, but more importantly, students left with memories, knowledge and a sense of achievement.

The impact of the Language Open Day goes beyond one day on the calendar. Culturally, it broadens perspectives and challenges stereotypes. Socially, it brings people together and strengthens the sense of community on campus. For many students, it is their first close encounter with cultures they may never be able to visit in person.

In this way, the LOD sends a clear message: even when travel is restricted, learning, dialogue and human connection remain possible, and languages are the bridge that makes it all happen.