A Q&A with World Languages, Literatures and Cultures’ Luis Restrepo

Luis Restrepo, Ph.D. 
Professor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Director of Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies

In this conversation, Restrepo shares his passion for multilingualism, the joy of interacting with students and colleagues from different countries, his love for the Ozark mountains, his dedication to teaching, and the two upcoming book projects he has in the works.  

Q: Tell us a little about your research and/or academic passions. What excites you about these projects?

My main research area is colonial Latin America. I am interested in particular in the literary representations of colonial violence, in the epic and other genres. I examine how images and narratives mediate the depictions of suffering others.

Coming from Colombia, a civil war torn country until recently, these are no abstractions or simple academic pursuits for me. Teaching courses on memory and trauma, literature in post conflict societies, and humanitarianism bring these concerns to my classes here in Arkansas. It is ultimately about our responsibility as intellectuals and educators to envision a more just world. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is interacting with students and colleagues from different countries. As a faculty member in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the director of the graduate program in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies, I have the opportunity to work with students and colleagues from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.

I cherish the multilingual community that surrounds me. ¡bilingüismo o muerte!

Bilingualism or death seems an extreme position but, in reality, to lose one’s language is a form of death. That is why I founded the Biliteracy Project, a service learning Spanish class supporting Latino youth to become bilingual and advocating for multilingual education.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I joined the Fulbright College in 1995, it has been a wonderful ride!

I felt a little lost at first, far from my family and my home country. I found a sense of purpose here offering courses that sought to help Arkansas better understand Latin America. Later, as the Northwest Arkansas immigrant community grew, I got involved in several initiatives opening up the university to the Latino community. 

We have made significant progress towards that end, but there is much work to do. Fortunately, we have built a robust Latin American and Latino Studies Program with highly committed and very enthusiastic colleagues. Most importantly, I find it quite inspiring the work with Latino students, who overcome multiple hurdles to come to the U of A, especially the Dreamers. 

Q: What do you most hope your students remember from their classes and/or interactions with you?

I hope that they do not take the university for granted. The public university as a place for free inquiry open to all is not a given but one we must make a reality. 

I often ask students to look across our beautifully landscaped campus and consider how privileged we are. The fundamental ethical question is what are they going to do with their education?  

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

The Ozark mountains never cease to amaze me for their beauty. I love mountain biking. I am no pro, I just like to get out there, ride the trails, and enjoy being in the woods. A daily walk to the park with my wife and dog also helps me unwind. 

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

Academically, I have two book projects, one on early modern humanitarianism and another on humanism and imperial reason. 

But more than my own research, I hope to help empower the next generation of Latino leaders in Northwest Arkansas. As an educator, I hope I never lose hope.

Personally, with one child already in graduate school and another in 11^th grade, I hope to see them fulfill their dreams.