Education paper by Szentkirályi, Endre
Identity in the Modern Era: Cleveland State University's Online Beginning Hungarian Course
Type of Abstract (select):Abstract (max. 250 words):
Sovereignty, compromise, and the making of modern Hungary is a concept that can be applied not only to modern Hungary, but also to émigré Hungarian communities in the diaspora, as well as to individuals trying to learn the Hungarian language independently, for the construction of identity always involves some compromise with language barriers and with assimilation. The Hungary Initiatives Foundation is a program funded by the current Hungarian government and is one of several programs designed to strengthen the identity of Hungarian communities abroad; one beneficiary of a recent HIF grant was Cleveland State University, which has seen a rebirth of its Hungarian program. Tracing the development of its fully online course for beginners, the course pedagogy and methods are detailed, as well as its use of short teaching films using everyday interactive Hungarian language filmed at locations throughout Cleveland’s Hungarian community, including on campus and at Hungarian businesses such as bakeries, a butcher, churches, and a restaurant. With students from California to Nova Scotia and everywhere in between, the course offers an easy introduction to the Hungarian language for the learner starting from scratch, and is fully accessible online from across the globe. Yet despite its ease of use, it is also an appropriate first step or a useful review for those wishing to gain an advanced understanding and knowledge of the Hungarian language.
Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Endre Szentkiralyi studied English and German at Cleveland State University, earned an MA in English at the University of Akron, and earned a PhD at the University of Debrecen. He has edited several books of oral histories, and worked on the 56Films documentaries Inkubátor and Megmaradni. His books include Cold War to Warm Cooperation: the Military Service of Cleveland Hungarians 1950-2014 (Zrínyi Publishing) and he has a manuscript forthcoming with Helena History Press. He currently teaches English and German at Nordonia High School near Cleveland, Ohio.