The Arabic Language Flagship and Chinese Language Flagship programs hosted their third annual talent showcase at the Croft Institute on Monday, March 30. Highlighting two of the university’s most prestigious initiatives, the event aimed to celebrate language through musical numbers, poetry recitation, traditional dances and other demonstrations.
The Arabic Language Flagship at the University of Mississippi is one of only three federally funded intensive Arabic language programs in the country. The Chinese Language Flagship is likewise federally funded and competitive and maintains a reputation of rigorous curriculum.
Alongside students and faculty were two esteemed guests: Jianfen Wang, associate professor of Chinese at Berea College in Berea, Ky., and Mohammad Almasri, associate professor of Arabic language, literature and culture at the University of Oklahoma.
The showcase opened with “Oxford Welcomes You,” a vocal and violin performance, and alternated between Arabic and Chinese presentations afterward. Presentations included poetry such as “The Visa for Hisham Al Gokh,” musical acts like “Love Scenario” and “All I Ask of You” and a student-produced video tour of UM students in Alexandria, Egypt.
“I performed in ‘Oxford Welcomes You,’ the first performance,” Drake Cox, a freshman Chinese and international studies major, said. “I was nervous going up first, but seeing all the shows really inspired me to work harder for next year to perform an even more complicated number.”
Other cultural demonstrations included presentations on the Moroccan zaffa — a traditional musical wedding procession — and henna traditions as well as an Upper Egyptian zaffa performance.
Chinese cultural elements were equally present such as in the fashion show of traditional Han Chinese — Hanfu — and a saxophone solo of “On a Slow Boat to China.” Students also explored storytelling and structure through performances like “The Story Begins with the Root: How Words are Built in Arabic,” which explained the foundational system of Arabic word formation.
Junior Arabic and international studies major Ammar Dimachkie performed in “The Story Begins with the Root” presentation.
“It’s important that we do this showcase because Arabic is a derived language, and everything is derived from three letters,” Damachkie said. “This performance shows the basic understanding of how the language evolves and structures itself.”
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the interpretation game, in which students translated between Arabic, Chinese and English in real time. The segment showcased the quick thinking and adaptability required for high-level language proficiency.
“This performance brought back a lot of fond memories of my own journey as a language learner,” Wang said. “I remember I was also part of the interpretation show when I was studying Japanese at Ohio State University. Interpretation requires composure, quick thinking, deep cultural understanding and the courage to perform in real time. I think the students here today achieved all of this.”
The showcase concluded with a lively Levantine folk dance, dabke, involving students, faculty and staff, followed by closing remarks from visiting guests Wang and Almasri. The collaborative nature of the event reflected the type of community these campus programs are aiming to foster.
“Years ago, the two flagships would have their own events,” Daniel O’Sullivan, chair of the UM Modern Language Department and professor of French, said. “But both being flagship programs, even though they’re focused on different languages, the students have the same kind of mentalities and professional goals, so it drills a lot of synergy between the two. It’s always a lot of fun.”
Noell Wilson, director of the Croft Institute and associate professor of history, emphasized the importance of connecting the two flagship programs because of a shared commitment to a time-intensive language learning process.
“To be able to share experiences and show off to their classmates and friends — to see what they’ve accomplished in real time — is very rewarding,” Wilson said.
Some students attended the event to support their friends in the programs.
“These festivals are always super fun, so it’s a good way to showcase the flagship programs,” Eli Striplin, a sophomore international studies and Chinese major, said.
Holden Freemen, a freshman Chinese major, felt that the event was beneficial for those interested in Chinese culture.
“It’s a good experience for (my future), experiencing Chinese music and culture,” Freeman said.
Faculty and administrators praised the dedication and talent displayed throughout the evening, noting the balance of creativity and discipline required to reach this level of performance. The event highlighted the shared goals and experiences of students across both language tracks, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose.
“I loved the performances,” Blair Thomson, senior international officer and director of the UM Study Abroad Office, said. “The students in the flagship programs are incredibly talented but also incredibly driven, and it shows.”
Editor’s note: The Daily Mississippian News Editor Aidan Poniatowski is a member of the UM Arabic Flagship.
