In a collaborative effort between the Office of Research Services (ORS), the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), and the Migration Linguistics Unit of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), the highly anticipated second session of the Huntahan: The SLSU's International Research Series took place on April 25-26, 2024. This event, focusing on the theme of "Masterclass in Research Language in Society," showcased a hybrid setup to accommodate both physical and virtual attendees.
The session commenced with a warm welcome address from Dr. Marissa C. Esperal, the Vice President for Research, Extension, Production, Development, and Innovation (REPDI), setting the tone for the event. Following this, the University President, Dr. Frederick T. Villa, delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering research excellence and international collaboration.
Distinguished speakers Dr. Shirley N. Dita, Associate Professor & Chair of the Department of English and Applied Linguistics at De La Salle University, and Dr. Ariane M. Borlongan, Associate Professor of Sociolinguistics & Founder and Head of the Migration Linguistics Unit at TUFS, were invited by the ORS to provide profound insights into the intersection of language, society, and migration.
Additionally, the Director of Research Services, Dr. Nicanor L. Guinto, shared a backgrounder for the event, emphasizing that this research seminar series is intended to be a channel and, at the same time, the actual conversation to discuss cutting-edge research by our in-house experts and invited international scholars.
Asst. Prof. Brian Villaverde, Project Leader of Inter-Actions, provided insight into the project, defining it as an institutionally funded Extension Project with the goal to serve as a webinar platform for disseminating the latest advancements in language and communication studies.
Physically attending participants from Quezon Province and neighboring areas, including faculty and staff from SLSU, were welcomed to engage in the session onsite. Meanwhile, participants from beyond CALABARZON and the Philippines were provided with Zoom access, ensuring inclusivity despite geographical constraints. Due to overwhelming interest, the Zoom capacity was reached well in advance, indicating the widespread enthusiasm for the event.
The Huntahan series continues to be a place where people from different fields can come together, talk, and learn from each other, making research more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
By: AAlvarez