Language is cultural power. When it becomes irrelevant, so does our presence.
Hi, there! My name is Chanlaty Vongsouvanh (Kyky). I’m a senior majoring in Sociology and Economics. My work focuses on the importance of preserving a local language and culture so they remain visible and valued.
Chanlaty in 3 Words
PROACTIVE
I believe clarity comes from doing. I don’t wait for perfect information or timing; I know that great results can come from taking initiative, making mistakes, and learning as I go.
RESILIENT
Life is unpredictable, and every choice has its own challenges. What matters is that I keep falling forward, knowing that meaning is found in the process.
HOME
Home means two things to me: 1) family-first, because they ground and motivate me; and 2) my hometown(Laos)-first, because I want to bring myself to a point where I could do things for my community.
Initiatives
Potential Post-grad Projects
Local Language Matters
Exploring what happens when our local language disappears from the internet, and how presence and visibility shape the way we exist in the world.
Local Food as Soft Power
Exploring cultural presence, economic power, and why some cuisines become global icons while others, like Lao food, remain hidden.
Academics
The College Journeys That Shape My Thinking
How my studies in sociology and economics helped me understand culture, identity, and unexpectedly, their economic significance.