Identity and Standards Guide - CLV Editorial Style

Organizational, Village and Program Names

Like any organization, Concordia Language Villages has its own language — not quite as distinct as the world languages we teach, perhaps, but unique nevertheless! Standard usage of our organizational name(s), titles and other information will help keep our documents and communications more consistent and professional. Use the following basic guidelines.

(Note: Examples within paragraphs are bolded for easy reference; however, they generally should not be boldfaced in regular copy.)

Concordia Language Villages v. CLV
In internal documents (memos, staff manuals, etc.), the abbreviation CLV is acceptable after the initial use of Concordia Language Villages. However, in all public communications, (news releases, articles, program guides, Web copy, letters, etc.) use Concordia Language Villages only. Never abbreviate it. This rule also applies to Global Language Villages/GLV.

Village or Villages?
As often as possible, refer to our organization and programs by the full name, Concordia Language Villages, in public communications. Our association with Concordia College is a strength for us, and Concordia is a valued and recognized entity for many of our constituents. Village may be used in the singular form if it is referring to a specific program entity, or if the phrase is used as an adjective.
Examples of acceptable forms:
Concordia Language Villages
the Language Villages
the Concordia Language Villages experience
the Village
the Japanese Language Village.

Please note that villager and villagers are not capitalized unless used in a salutation line of a letter.

Always use the word “Language” when referring to individual Language Villages. For example, do not say “Russian Village.” Always say “Russian Language Village.”

When describing the Language Villages as a camp that immerses participants in another world language and culture, the following wording is appropriate: Concordia Language Villages is the premier language and cultural immersion program for youth!

Singular or Plural?
Concordia Language Villages is a single organization; therefore, its verb should also be singular. However, phrases referring to specific programs may be singular or plural
Examples:
Concordia Language Villages seeks...
Concordia Language Villages is enriched...
Language Villages are hosted in 10 Chinese cities.

Italicization
We always italicize the names of individual Language Villages.
Examples:
Skogfjorden, the Norwegian Language Village
...our French Language Village, Lac du Bois.

Words in other world languages should be italicized, with their English definition set off by commas, unless the meaning is well-known or obvious (or the word has been adopted by the English language). Proper names, place names or names of ethnic groups should not be italicized.
Kimchi, a spicy Korean dish, was served.
French villagers enjoyed a café crème.
Sami drums are used at Skogfjorden.

Note:
Any and all words in other world languages destined for Concordia Language Villages’ publications must be reviewed by a native speaker or a language expert prior to publication to ensure their accuracy.

Village name should also be italicized. Never put quotation marks around Village names.
Allison Magda Spenader
Patricia Murasaki Thornton

Use Village names to refer to staff members or villagers in second and subsequent uses. Example: Larry Lauri Saukko has worked at the Villages since 1976. He is fluent in Finnish and German and has studied French and Swedish. Lauri received his bachelor’s degree in languages from the University of Minnesota.

On any print piece, be sure to include Concordia Language Villages’ logo, name and program identification (“a program of Concordia College...”) and Web address (www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org).

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students