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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Iowa International Center

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Des Moines, IA
Iowa International Center

Nonprofit building peace and prosperity since 1938. We lead, teach, connect and celebrate global culture in Iowa.

We welcome the world to Iowa, and help introduce Iowa to the world.

02/14/2026

How do you say LOVE?
This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating love in all its beautiful forms and in all its languages!

From “Amor” to “dawtnak,” love connects us all, no matter where we come from. Which one is your favorite?

Spread the love, and tag someone you care about!

02/10/2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics wrap up in style on Sunday, February 22, with the Closing Ceremony broadcast live from Verona, Veneto, Italy — and Des Moines is the place to watch!

Join the Iowa-Veneto Committee as they celebrate the close of the Olympic Games and highlight Iowa’s unique connection to this year’s host region, Veneto, through the Iowa Partner State Program.

📍 Exile Brewing Company, Des Moines
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM (Closing Ceremony airs at 1:30 PM CST)
🍴 Light appetizers provided | Food & drinks available for purchase

Please RSVP to help the Veneto Committee plan for attendance: https://forms.office.com/r/gYMJAqhkCv

Come celebrate international friendship, global culture, and the Olympic spirit with us!

01/22/2026

Language of the Week: Arabic Loanwords
Did you know many everyday English words come from Arabic? Words like “algebra,” “coffee,” “sugar,” and “cotton” all have Arabic roots, reflecting centuries of trade, science, and cultural exchange.

Arabic’s influence extends beyond English, it shaped Spanish during centuries of Moorish presence in the Iberian Peninsula, contributing words like “azul” (blue), “aceite” (oil), and “almohada” (pillow).

This rich linguistic legacy shows how languages grow and connect across cultures, oceans, and centuries.

01/15/2026

Language of the Week: Arabic in Iowa

Arabic language and culture have deep roots right here in Iowa, centered around historic landmarks like the Mother Mosque of America in Cedar Rapids, one of the oldest mosques in the United States.
For almost a century, the mosque has been a vibrant hub for Arabic-speaking communities, preserving language, faith, and traditions while welcoming people from all backgrounds.
The Arabic spoken here connects generations, carrying stories of migration, resilience, and cultural pride.

To better serve our community, we are hiring Arabic interpreters to help ensure language access in our programs and events.
Join us in strengthening connections and making services available to all.

It’s a living reminder that languages are bridges between heritage and home.
Join us in celebrating Arabic language and the rich cultural contributions of Iowa’s Arab community!

01/12/2026

Language of the Week: Karen

Karen isn’t just one language. It’s a family of languages, with S’gaw and Pwo being the most widely spoken.

Karen languages are unique because they use both tone (pitch) and register (voice quality) to change meaning.

In traditional Karen poetry, parallelism is common, ideas are repeated using different words to add depth and rhythm.

01/09/2026

Transliteration vs. Translation

They may look similar but they serve very different purposes.

Transliteration
- Converts words from one writing system to another
- Keeps the same sounds, not the meaning
- Helpful for pronunciation

Translation
- Converts meaning from one language to another
- Focuses on understanding the message
- Used for documents, instructions, and services

Why it matters:
Using transliteration instead of translation can leave people confused or without important information. For true language access, translation is essential.

01/05/2026

Language of the Week: Chin Dialects

Today we highlight five Chin dialects spoken across Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh and in diaspora communities around the world.

Each carries its own history, rhythm, and meaning:
• Chin Falam – Uses a Romanized alphabet and expresses politeness through verb forms.
• Chin Hakha – Widely spoken globally and known for tonal shifts that transform meaning.
• Chin Mizo – A national language of Mizoram, recognized for its poetic musicality.
• Chin Zomi – Meaning “Highland people,” with distinct tone patterns.
• Senthang – A Chin language rich in agricultural vocabulary and tonal nuance.

01/01/2026

From fireworks to first fruits, the world rings in the New Year in many different ways!

In Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, the New Year is a time for family gatherings, sharing traditional foods, and giving thanks for the harvest and the year’s blessings.
In Somali culture, people often welcome the New Year with poetry, song, and community gatherings that honor hope and resilience.
In French traditions, “Bonne année” is shared over festive meals late into the night, often with champagne and family toasts.
In Hindi-speaking regions, many people begin the year with prayers for prosperity and peace, visiting temples or offering sweets to loved ones.

Wherever you are and however you celebrate, Iowa International Center wishes you a joyful, hope-filled start to the year!

#2026

12/29/2025

Season’s Greetings!
As we look ahead to the new year, we’re grateful for our community and the connections that make it stronger every day. Wishing you hope, opportunity, and togetherness in the year ahead.

12/23/2025

Simultaneous vs. Consecutive Interpretation: What’s the Difference?
Interpreters play a crucial role in connecting people across languages.

Here’s how the two main methods work:
Simultaneous Interpretation
• Happens in real-time, often with headphones and microphones
• Interpreter translates while the speaker is still talking
• Common in conferences, webinars, and large events

Consecutive Interpretation
• Interpreter waits for the speaker to pause before translating
• Often involves note-taking
• Common in meetings, interviews, and medical or legal settings

Both methods ensure that language is never a barrier and each requires skill, focus, and precision!

Need interpretation for your event or appointment? We have resources for both simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, depending on what you need.

12/22/2025

Your support helps break down language barriers and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Every donation makes it possible for families to access critical information, services, and opportunities in a language they understand.

Give today and help language access change lives.

12/19/2025

Give a Voice in Crisis.

Your support keeps our Free Emergency Interpretation Hotline available 24/7, so language is never a barrier when it matters most.

Donate today and help save lives.

Address

3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 259
Des Moines, IA
50310

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152828269

Website

http://www.iowainternationalcenter.org/

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