Languages carry the traditions, histories and identities of the people who speak them. When a language disappears, a unique way of thinking, storytelling and understanding the world is lost forever. Friday 21 February marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day (IMLD), a worldwide annual commemoration to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and advance multilingualism. Do you know what happened on 21 February 1952 when Bengali students in, at the time, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) rallied for the recognition of Bengali as an official language?
Languages Week 2025 at SU, with something for all students and staff
This year, SU joins the EUTOPIA Alliance Languages Week from 3 to 7 March 2025 to celebrate languages, culture and diversity across the world.
Wellness loves company
It’s that time of year again when our diaries start filling up with end-of-year gatherings and events. If just looking at your calendar triggers an onset of prospective socialisation fatigue, we have some advice!
Visit to UniLuanda strengthens South-South ties and partnership with SU
A few weeks ago, Fatima Halday, Head of the Communication portfolio at the Language Centre, had the opportunity to visit Luanda and participated in the 2nd Edition of the Scientific…
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The days of the week in isiXhosa
Why do we say ‘Monday’ for Monday? Where do the names for the days of the week come from in isiXhosa, English and Afrikaans? uMvulo (The day opening the week)…
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Freedom Day reflections: Language, expression and responsibility
Spiderman hit the nail on the head when he said something to the effect of “with great power comes great responsibility”. The same applies to freedom, as Eleanor Roosevelt rightly…
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Our mother languages: What’s in it for us?
21 February is International Mother Language Day. Did you know you can use your mother language as a mental springboard?
First-ever Languages Week at SU, with something for all staff and students
This year, SU joins the EUTOPIA Alliance Languages Week from 4 to 8 March 2024 to celebrate languages, culture and diversity across the world.
Online interpreting in the classroom – now even more seamless!
SU lecturers! Does your module use interpreting, or would you like to use interpreting in your module? The SU Language Centre’s Interpreting Service interpreters are available online to interpret for…
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IsiXhosa courses for SU staff now free
Good news for SU staff members wanting to start learning isiXhosa this year! Courses are free to SU staff, so come and expand your isiXhosa repertoire!
