Alicia L. Soueid

As a language professor, it is my privilege not only to teach students to speak another language, but also to raise awareness about voices and cultures that are different from our own. The dominance of American businesses and the prevalence of the English language not only at home, but increasingly abroad, sometimes makes me fear for the future of other languages and cultures, and, on some level, even for the future of humankind. As the world grows increasingly more connected economically, it strikes me as highly ironic that Americans value language learning so little. Learning even a little of a foreign language and culture can help you break through the wall that separates us, increasing not only our chances of making more business deals, but also of making more connections.

It was this thought that drove me to ask for a list of items that were needed by the UT Arlington Libraries most before making my selection. One of the items the lending tech personnel listed as having a wide range of uses was a wireless microphone system. I selected the wireless microphone system because microphones, like language classes, enhance communication, connect speakers to others, and amplify the voices of those who otherwise might not be heard. I hope that those who borrow this piece of technology use it not only to speak their mind, but also to reach out and bring people together, in whatever language they choose to speak.