New Semantics Language Magazine is a collection of student creative pieces, from narratives to photography, as well as expert interviews, centered around foreign language and culture.
In the field of linguistics, semantics is the study of the meaning of words in a sentence, and having people of all walks of life discuss their unique experiences, tied to language, certainly sheds light on the multitudes of “meanings” that language can entail. Hence, the title of this magazine, New Semantics.
I decided to begin New Semantics around Spring 2017 because I loved both creative writing and learning more about the world, whether that was through my language studies in Spanish, Chinese and later Japanese and Tajik Persian, or blogging about my international travels. So, I wanted to create a project that linked all these passions: is to showcase the world’s diversity and to express a passion for the importance and the intricacies of language in communication around the world. Thus, we hope that through New Semantics, we can promote open-mindedness and expedite cross-cultural understanding.
Head to the New Semantics website for all submitted pieces and to see the full publications.
New Semantics first began as a magazine-blog with online submission posts. It was a lengthy, trial-and-error process to reach out to peers and mentors and ask if they'd be interested in this unique endeavor. From creating my first website on Wix (sorry Squarespace!), to launching a Facebook page, to foraying into design when creating flyers, logos, and magazine layouts for the entire magazine via Blurb, I learned much about resilience and perseverance to carry out the final vision I had for New Semantics. But after a year of collecting student work and conducting interviews, New Semantics finally became a official publication, which I released both online and in-print in March of 2018.
Excerpt from my Letter From the Editor, Volume 1:
“Through interacting with everyone involved in New Semantics, I learned that language is universal. No matter who you are, you will always use language to communicate. Language is a manifestation of human curiosity and creativity, and because there are so many languages we all can speak, it becomes a source of pride and identity for every single one of us. I hope that through this magazine, you will discover more about how humans communicate, and I hope you will learn about the inspiring, empowering, and profound intricacies and impacts of language and culture. In essence, I hope you find "New Semantics" behind language itself. “
In the Fall of 2018, after the first edition of New Semantics, I was unsure if it had met its end for a number of reasons, from my worry about not finding enough fellow linguaphiles, to time consumed for college plans. However, what encouraged me to begin Volume 2 was participating in the U.S. State Department’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth, where I studied Tajik Persian in Tajikistan for six weeks. And as a NSLI-Y Alumni Representative, I wanted to create a platform for NSLI-Yers to share their unforgettable experiences discovering language abroad. Thus, NSLI-Y Alumni Insights is a special subproject of Volume 2
Volume 2, like Volume 1, first released pieces throughout the year online, and culminated in a physical publication. However, it has broadened our scope, with our contributors studying 16+ languages altogether, hailing from Kentucky to the United Arab Emirates. New Semantics thus illustrates the multitude of perspectives that exist in our diverse world, joining them in this forum for cross-cultural dialogue.
We all extend across boundaries between nations, languages, ethnicities, ages, and passions. Yet, we are united by our belief in the power of language. I am immensely grateful that together, we could bring this labor of love to fruition with Volume 2.