Lee student Samuel Duarte during his trip to Colombia speaking on bilingualism
Lee University student Samuel Duarte, a sophomore double major in Spanish and business management, traveled to the University of Magdalena in Santa Marta, Colombia, where he spoke about bilingualism.
During his visit at the University of Magdalena, Mr. Duarte presented his research to students in the Spanish graduate program. The research he shared focused on the language, education, and culture of the Guaraní/Paraguayan people in South America.
“As a Paraguayan, I have had the privilege of experiencing the bilingualism of my country all my life, and the fact that I can share it with others fills me with so much pride in my homeland,” said Mr. Duarte. “I am very pleased with what I was able to accomplish during this amazing trip in Colombia.”
Mr. Duarte conducted this research under the supervision of Dr. Alexander Steffanell, associate professor of Spanish at Lee. Mr. Duarte’s research studies the importance of bilingual education programs among indigenous communities in Latin America, and more specifically in Paraguay.
According to Dr. Steffanell, Mr. Duarte’s focus on Paraguay is especially important since Paraguay is the only country in South America where both Spanish and Guaraní are official languages.
“Samuel did a great job speaking at a university level,” said Dr. Steffanell, Duarte’s faculty and research advisor. “This was a great opportunity for him and for Lee University to make an impact.”