Nené Lozada, Director of the Spanish Language Program, and third-year undergraduate student Alejandro Orihuela have been awarded the Quad Faculty Research Grant to investigate the linguistic landscape of the Spanish-speaking community in Pilsen, Chicago. This collaborative project explores themes of migration, identity, and language preservation in a bilingual context, building upon Professor Lozada’s previous research on Chicago’s Spanish-speaking communities.
Professor Lozada laid the foundation for this work through her Cultura, Lengua e Identidad de Pilsen project, funded by an Exploratory Teaching Grant. This initiative resulted in the development of an advanced language course centered on Pilsen, which will be offered in the future.
Alejandro’s participation in this project will provide first-hand insights into the lived experiences of Pilsen’s residents, capturing the nuances of their linguistic practices, cultural expressions, and community dynamics. Supported by the Quad Faculty Research Grant, he will conduct fieldwork, refine his research skills, and contribute to a deeper understanding of Pilsen’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage.