The Ohio State University at Marion lecture series Buckeye Talks on Tap welcomes Ohio State Marion Professor of Psychology, Nikole Patson, who will present a free public lecture titled, “The Many Voices of English: How Language and Reading Build Community,” Tuesday, September 9, 5:30 p.m. at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen.
Patson’s area of research focuses on adult language comprehension, with a particular interest in how language comprehenders compute meaning from linguistic content. This expertise provides a perfect backdrop for her upcoming discussion.
During the September 9th talk, Patson will share how language is the way we connect with our families, our neighbors, and our world but it’s not a perfect tool. With over 7,000 languages spoken globally, and countless varieties of English alone, communication can be both wonderfully rich and occasionally confusing. Even within English, no two speakers sound exactly alike.
“The way I speak as a professor at Ohio State Marion is shaped by my roots near Flint, Michigan, and all the places I lived since,” said Patson.
Patson will explore the beautiful diversity of English varieties spoken across communities and generations. She will focus on how reading helps us find common ground, and how local efforts, like the work of Let’s Read 20, are helping build a stronger, more connected community of readers right here in Marion. Marion Public Library Communications Manager, Diane Watson will also share the latest updates on the Let’s Read 20 initiative
“Whether you're a lifelong book lover or just curious about language, this conversation is for you,” Patson added.
Buckeye Talks on Tap lectures are held on Tuesdays once a month at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen, inside Passenger & Rail Co., at 320 W. Center St., Marion, Ohio. Doors for the lecture open at 5 p.m. with the lecture beginning at 5:30 p.m., and a short Q&A to follow. Buckeye Talks on Tap is patterned after the successful international phenomenon Science Cafe that features engaging conversation in casual environments like pubs, restaurants and cafes between academic/scientific experts and the community on topics of interest to us all. The goal of the lecture series is to bring the campus and the community together in casual open discussions about timely thought-provoking topics of interest to citizens of the Marion regional area.
Those attending the event will be entered to win a door prize provided by Marcie DeWitt from Anchor and Away Travel. Have dinner and a drink own your own and join this lively casual presentation/discussion.
The Ohio State University at Marion was established in 1957 in Marion, Ohio as one of four Ohio State regional campuses. The 187-acre campus provides an open access portal to Ohio's flagship university, faculty expertise, and the breadth and depth of opportunity synonymous with one of the country's top public universities. Students can earn and associate of arts or bachelor's degree in biology, business, education, engineering technology, English, history, nursing, psychology, or social work on the Marion campus or begin any of 200+ Ohio State degree programs. Ohio State Marion's caring community of world-renowned faculty scholars and researchers and dedicated staff are passionate about fostering the full potential of each student in an inclusive environment that embraces the idea of caring and personal attention. Ohio State Marion prepares students for meaningful careers through innovative, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences and seeks to be the destination of choice for those seeking a university education at a campus recognized for excellence in teaching, research, community outreach, and citizenship.