The College of Humanities asked various leaders from across the University of Arizona campus about the importance of multilingualism. Hear various perspectives about the value of learning and using multiple languages and how those experiences can shape our careers and our lives:
“Language gives shape to our thoughts and helps turn ideas into reality. I believe the capacity to appreciate, understand and use more than one language inherently expands our horizons. I grew up in a multilingual home where we spoke English, Hindi and Telugu, and I also have some passing familiarity with Sanskrit, Tamil and French. The many languages in the air enriched my childhood and education, and with the confidence this inspired I have been able to visit every continent and enjoy being in many different social and cultural settings. In an increasingly globalized world, engaging with other nations and cultures will shape a better future for us all, and multilingualism is a crucial part of this ability.”
Suresh Garimella
U of A President
“When I first arrived from Spain, I had studied English, but nothing prepares you for full immersion. I remember struggling through Astronomy 101 lectures where there were no scientific formulas to fall back on, only language. Worse yet, I remember struggling to keep up in conversation with my new American friends at the dorms and elsewhere on campus. That experience taught me how vital multilingualism is. Being in Tucson now, I’m amazed by how naturally Spanish and English coexist. It’s one of the hallmarks that makes this community so globally connected. It enriches how we work together and deepens our ability to understand and respond to complex challenges.”
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia
Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships
“I spoke Portuguese before I spoke English. Portuguese was the bridge that connected me to my large family, scattered across various parts of the world. When I was younger, I used to mix English and Portuguese in the same sentence—sometimes I even invented words! My family laughed, but never criticized me. I realized that people communicate in different ways and that, with patience and curiosity, we always end up understanding each other.”
Helena Rodrigues
Chief Human Resources Officer
“Embracing multilingualism has deeply shaped how I connect with others, opening me to diverse cultures and giving me genuine respect for anyone who ventures outside their native tongue. Working as a professional Spanish and Portuguese interpreter throughout medical school taught me just how much language shapes trust, connection and healing. Words are powerful. When used well, they help us navigate life with empathy and clarity. Recognizing the power of multilingualism helps us move through the world with greater care.”
Dr. Stephen Dahmer
Director, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine
Associate Professor, Family and Community Medicine
“I grew up in France and first came to the U.S.—to Tucson, in fact—when I was 23. In school I was fortunate to learn English and Spanish from passionate and skilled teachers. As soon as I began doing scientific research as an undergraduate, those language skills opened the door to international research at the highest level. Today, my team works hard to create opportunities for faculty and students to collaborate with partners in France. While English remains the global ‘currency’ of academic communication, familiarity with French opens additional windows onto local culture — turning good working visits into truly unique life experiences.”
Régis Ferriere
Deputy Director, France-Arizona Institute for Global Grand Challenges
Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
“I was born and raised in a small town in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. My first language is Javanese, and I learned Indonesian in school so I could communicate with people from other regions and islands. I began learning English in middle school, and because I love traveling, I enjoy picking up new languages wherever I go, even if it’s just simple phrases. As global citizens, it’s important for us to value and understand different backgrounds. Doing so helps us grow into more open-minded, well-rounded individuals.”
Nina A. Bates
Director, Operations and Strategic Initiatives
Office of the Provost
“Multilingualism, particularly Kannada, not only allowed me to conduct historical research with primary documents, but it also opened doors into restricted archives and temple spaces that would have otherwise remained inaccessible. It also helped me to develop bonds with local communities in meaningful ways. Now, as a university administrator, it continues to pay dividends by helping me to connect deeply with local leaders of multinational tech corporations in the Indian tech hub of Bengaluru.”
Caleb Simmons
Vice Provost, Arizona Online
“As ASUA Student Body President and a bilingual leader who grew up navigating both English and Spanish at home and in school, I have learned how languages build bridges. Speaking more than one language has helped me connect with a diverse group of students and ensure their voices are heard and seen. Multilingualism strengthens our community and reminds us all that every student’s story deserves representation.”
Adriana Grijalva
ASUA Student Body President