For centuries, books have been the primary method of documenting spoken and written languages. This method has given us insights into the formal and informal uses of language within communities and those outside the community. However, books and even tape recordings haven’t always captured the intricacies and uniqueness of a language. Advances in technology have broadened the scope and quality of language documentation and preservation, but these digital tools have also created a skills gap between researchers and communities.

UMBC’s Renée Lambert-Brétière, associate professor of modern languages, linguistics, and intercultural communication, is working on bridging this gap through a collaborative and community-engaged research project with Innu-speaking communities in Quebec, Canada, that seeks to democratize access to digital tools involved in the documentation of their language. 

“Mobilizing methodologies of linguistics, digital and public humanities, this research makes an important contribution to current developments in language documentation research and constitutes a major step in broadening the tools for language preservation within the Innu speech communities,” Lambert-Brétière explains to Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities and host of The Academic Minute, a daily show featuring faculty from colleges and universities worldwide speaking about their cutting-edge research. 

UMBC’s Academic Minute takeover week

Lambert-Brétière joined five UMBC scholars this fall in UMBC’s first Academic Minute Takeover Week, featuring the latest research in media and communication studies; philosophy; language, literacy, and culture; and history. This series is republished on NPR podcasts and Inside Higher Ed.https://academicminute.org/2023/09/renee-lambert-bretiere-democratizing-access-to-digital-tools-in-the-documentation-of-the-innu-language/

Learn more about Renee Lambert-Brétière’s research

Lambert-Brétière’s book, À la recherche d’un signe perdu: Jean-Baptiste de La Brosse, S.J., Éléments de langue montagnaise (1768) (Chemins de tr@verse, 2018), is the first edition of the grammar of the Innu language written in Latin in 1768 by the Jesuit Jean-Baptiste de La Brosse. It offers a unique testimony on the state of this nomadic language in the middle of the eighteenth century. Her research has appeared in peer-reviewed outlets that include the Journal of Language Diversity, Anthropological Linguistics, Journal de la société des océanistes, and Annual Review of Cognitive Linguistics.

Learn more about UMBC’s modern languages, linguistics, and intercultural communication program.

When you think about UMBC’s Homecoming, you undoubtedly conjure images of carnival rides, black and gold decorations, and the beloved Puppy Parade. But what Homecoming is really about, for us, is the people. We asked social media intern Allison John ‘24, psychology, to share what it was like to walk a mile (or more accurately, many, many miles) in her shoes during this year’s Homecoming. 

We always hope the skies will be blue and the sun will be shining for UMBC’s Homecoming, but that unfortunately wasn’t the case this year. Luckily, that did not stop students, alumni, family, and friends from taking part in all the festivities that Homecoming brings! This year I was lucky to not only partake as a student, but also as a board member of UMBC’s Student Events Board (seb), and as an intern for University Communications and Marketing (UCM). Being involved in all these roles meant I got to see Homecoming through a different lens. 

As a student, I loved going to the carnival with all my friends on Homecoming preview night. We enjoyed all the different rides, played carnival games, and took in the moments knowing that college goes by so quickly and if we don’t cherish it while we’re here, it’ll be gone before we notice. 

Helping co-create Homecoming

As a board member of (seb), I loved getting involved with activities that I may not have participated in otherwise. I got the chance to interact with all the amazing vendors we had, ranging from the petting zoo and food trucks, to the balloon and caricature artists. This role allowed me to create amazing memories for so many people and to play a part in the magic that happens on campus during Homecoming. I even got the chance to ride around campus on golf carts, placing the huge Homecoming stickers on the sidewalk that always amazed me when I was a first-year student.

By far, my favorite role of all was the role I played as a UCM intern. I had the opportunity to capture memories throughout Homecoming weekend by taking pictures at the Puppy Parade and seeing all the festive dogs that got to partake in such a fun tradition. I also had the opportunity to explore the Alumni and Friends Tent and meet so many alumni and witness them reconnecting with old friends and talking about how much has changed since they graduated. 

Being a senior now, I got emotional throughout Homecoming weekend. I know that although I can always come back for Homecoming, this was the last time I had the chance to make an impact on the UMBC community as a student and help create the special memories that Homecoming is all about. Homecoming is truly a culmination of so many different events including the annual bonfire, Athletics games, the 5k run, Puppy Parade, carnival, food trucks, pumpkin painting, the Alumni and Friends Tent, and so much more. 

As I took the time to reflect on Homecoming, I came to realize that, at its core, Homecoming is about one thing—you. It’s about your story and how UMBC has played a part in that story. Homecoming is so special because it brings so many people together in one place to reconnect, and whether it’s been one year since you graduated or 30, there are still so many memories to be made at Homecoming. 

During my time talking to alumni, our conversations would always lead to me learning more about how college played a role in who they are now. Some told me about lessons that they learned while attending UMBC, and I even learned about one alum who met her fiancé here. It’s these lessons and memories that make us who we are. Homecoming is what reminds us every year how special these moments are and why we should take a break from the chaos of life and enjoy the people that surround us. Homecoming 2023 was one to remember because it’s a reminder that even the weather can’t put a damper on the importance and strength of a community, our UMBC community.

By Allison John ’24, psychology

CHECK meetings are group sessions for pre-chemical engineering students led by a CBEE faculty member.

These meetings supplement the one-on-one advising session with a COEIT Advisor to receive advising clearance. They are not a replacement for the one on one advising session.

During the CHECK meeting students will :

• connect about important topics regarding course selection and curriculum requirements specific to Chemical Engineering
• gain insider knowledge about the best timing of classes and prerequisites
• discuss updates about electives courses

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