Leeds Language Week: 11th - 15th November 2024
Leeds Language Week is a vibrant celebration of the city's languages, cultures, and communities, highlighting our connections to the world. In November 2024 we delivered a weeklong event of free activities in schools, the community and at the University of Leeds to embrace multilingualism, learn new languages, and connect with the rich cultural tapestry of the globe. The initiative is led by Bettina Hermoso-Gómez and Sofia Martinho, with the support of the Arts and Humanities Outreach Team.
Activities for Leeds Language Week 2024 included:
- Language Taster Workshops
- A Literary Treasure Hunt
- A Poetry Competition: Mother Tongue, Other Tongue
- A Photo Competition
- Dual Language Story & Rhyme sessions in local libraries
- Talks on Spanish Pop Music and Heritage Languages
- And many more delivered by our partners to celebrate the diversity of languages & culture found across Yorkshire
To keep up to date on Leeds Language Week 2025, and hear about the rest of our outreach offer, you can sign up to our newsletter.
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In School Taster Workshops
We are offering fantastic language workshops delivered by our Students and Academics in local schools! These workshops will be aimed at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 and could introduce school students to new topics or languages, help them build on their current subjects and support them in developing skills and insight into the university experience.
Cherishing and Maintaining the Heritage Language at Home
For multilingual families and teachers.
Date: 12th November 17:30-18:30
Sofia Martinho, Associate Professor of Portuguese, University of Leeds
Multilingual families are often challenged with the transmission of their heritage language to future generations. What factors determine success in childhood bilingualism? In this online workshop we’ll try to answer this question and will give families tips and ideas on how to maintain and develop a heritage language at home.
Date: 12th November 17:30-18:30
Sofia Martinho, Associate Professor of Portuguese, University of Leeds
Multilingual families are often challenged with the transmission of their heritage language to future generations. What factors determine success in childhood bilingualism? In this online workshop we’ll try to answer this question and will give families tips and ideas on how to maintain and develop a heritage language at home.
Free Portuguese Online Taster Session
Date: 13th November 16:00pm-17:00pm
Sofia Martinho, Associate Professor of Portuguese, University of Leeds
Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with culture, excitement, and the sweet sound of Portuguese? Join our FREE online Portuguese language taster session, specially designed for beginners aged 16 and above. Get ready to experience the thrill of learning a new language! Portuguese is not just a language; it's a gateway to rich histories and vibrant cultures.
Sofia Martinho, Associate Professor of Portuguese, University of Leeds
Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with culture, excitement, and the sweet sound of Portuguese? Join our FREE online Portuguese language taster session, specially designed for beginners aged 16 and above. Get ready to experience the thrill of learning a new language! Portuguese is not just a language; it's a gateway to rich histories and vibrant cultures.
What Languages can do for You: Opportunities across the Globe
Dr Peter Haysom-Rodríguez, lecturer of Modern Languages
Thursday 14th November at 16:00-17:00
How can the study of languages and cultures help you to stand out in the job market? How can you make a real difference across different countries and continents? Do the media industry, diplomacy, international business or global organisations. This talk will reflect on what multi-linguists have achieved in various professions, and on why employers value foreign language skills and inter-cultural awareness. Sign up here:
Thursday 14th November at 16:00-17:00
How can the study of languages and cultures help you to stand out in the job market? How can you make a real difference across different countries and continents? Do the media industry, diplomacy, international business or global organisations. This talk will reflect on what multi-linguists have achieved in various professions, and on why employers value foreign language skills and inter-cultural awareness. Sign up here:
On Campus Activities
See the range of events happening on the University of Leeds campus during Leeds Language Week. For current students at the University.
Popular music and Spain's Transition to Democracy
University of Leeds, Baines Wing Room 2.10
Monday 11th November 17:00-18:00 - no need to book!
Delivered by Professor Duncan Wheeler
Monday 11th November 17:00-18:00 - no need to book!
Delivered by Professor Duncan Wheeler
Instituto Cervantes Leeds
The Instituto Cervantes in Leeds was opened in 1993 and is part of the global network of official cultural centres from the Government of Spain. There are 100 branches spread around the world, and in the UK you can also find the Instituto Cervantes in London and Manchester.
Find out more about their Leeds Language Week offer.
Find out more about their Leeds Language Week offer.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue
We are hosting two separate poetry themed competitions in November. Winners of the competition will have the opportunity to appear in the Mother Tongue Other Tongue 2024 digital anthology. Click here to find out more.
Leeds Libraries - Story & Rhyme Sessions
We will be holding a dual language story & rhyme session, in Ein Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian & Mandarin Chinese. This sessions is for under 5’s and their grown ups. There is no need to book, just come along. Join us for a fun session, sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere.
Leeds International Film Festival
Click here to see what is happening at the Leeds International Film Festival in November.
Sanako MFL Student Career Talks
Would you like a motivational talk about how important languages are in the workplace? How about a 300% increase in GCSE options for languages this year as achieved at a school in the North of England? - Careers Talks available here
Exploring & Celebrating African Languages
Exploring & Celebrating African Languages’ is a series of interactive in-class presentations that celebrate and explore four African languages spoken by communities in the North East and globally. More info here.
Queen’s College Translation Exchange
Registration for the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators.
Stephen Spender Trust
The Stephen Spender Trust encourages and supports teachers to incorporate creative translation activities into their teaching practices and lessons.
In partnership with:
