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Unearthing Unexpected Connections

In following threads of language and culture, the editors find ties to themselves and their homeland

By Amanda Lee

As the Centre for Language Learning (CLL) was about to close off its 25th anniversary celebrations in 2023, language tutor Janine Lutchman found herself wondering what the best way to honour its legacy of teaching language and culture was. Two years later, the answer blossomed into Unearthing Traditions: Stories of Language and Culture, Vol 1, a collection of 20 stories and articles on and from the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean written by UWI staff, CLL students, and even some external writers.

But while she and CLL Director Dr Nicole Roberts intended for the book to be an exploration of the diverse linguistic and cultural experiences available across the globe, they discovered threads connecting different countries, and even their personal histories.

“One of my grandmothers always drank what the Chinese call black tea, but which in fact has a sort of red colour, and there is an article which gives a wonderful description and explanation of it. And so, that linked me to my grandmother and remembering her,” Dr Roberts recounted.

Even the artwork and publication of the book were borne of Janine’s history and connections. The cover art was created by Kadeisha Edwards, one of her students, and depicts a figure representing the curiosity and thirst for learning that was characteristic of Janine’s childhood. Additionally, the push to publish a physical book came from another of her students with ties to the Charran’s bookstore chain.

In keeping with their own areas of interest and expertise, the book was originally intended to cover content from outside of Trinidad and Tobago, but the very first entry they received pointed right back to home. “So, that section was born right there,” Dr Roberts recalled. And though the idea for the collection was inspired by their professional and academic interests, the book is written for the general public. Its official launch on April 11 was student centred instead of a more formal, official ceremony. They have already issued a call for stories for volume two with a May 29 deadline for submissions.

For more information on the Centre for Language Learning, visit sta.uwi.edu/fhe/cll/.


Amanda Lee is a publications and content specialist, linguistics graduate, user experience enthusiast, and traveller.