Page 16 - The Malvernian - December 2023

THE MALVERNIAN
European Day of Languages
Did you know? There are 24 official languages in Europe but adding in regional and minority languages, the total number spoken across the continent is over 200.
On 26 September, European Day of Languages, the Language Department celebrated the range and diversity of languages spoken throughout Europe by celebrating the languages spoken in our school.
Pupils were invited to a webinar, a chance to hear from speakers about the importance of studying languages and culture and hear their experiences of using their languages in their professional and personal lives.
During the webinar, Lisa M, Head of Language at GCHQ, talked about how important language is to the work at GCHQ – she did French and German at university, and the first thing she did when she joined GCHQ was learn Russian – “it was great”.
Adrian R, a linguist at GCHQ, grew up in a multilingual family where English was a second language, allowing him to see the world in a different way. This perspective and opportunity showed him how languages can change lives and careers.
Learning a language not only allows us to talk with people from other countries in their own language, it’s also an introduction to different cultures, different ideas and opens up a world of opportunities.
The aim of the Language Department is:
• raise awareness of the wide variety of languages in Europe
• promote cultural heritage & linguistic diversity
• encourage students of all ages to learn languages.
• promote translation, interpretation, other language-related professions.
Paula Roffey | Head of Spanish
Where can languages take you?
German Department Hosts Nikolaus Celebration
On Friday 8 December, the German Department welcomed pupils learning German, and pupils with a German-speaking background, to the Pavilion to celebrate “Nikolaus”. In German-speaking countries, children place their winter boots outside their front door on the evening of 5 December before going to bed. Saint Nikolaus is said to then leave nuts, clementines, biscuits, chocolate, and in more recent times, small gifts in the children’s boots. Our gathering on 8th December allowed pupils to get together and enjoy traditional German Christmas treats, such as Lebkuchen, Weihnachtsplätzchen and Stollen. Pupils sang German Christmas songs, took part in a fun cultural exchange and shared stories of previous Nikolaus celebrations. In the words of our pupils: “Frohes Fest!” (Happy festive period!), “Der Stollen is köstlich!” (The Christmas cake is delicious!) and “Guten Rutsch!” (Have a good “slide” into the new year!).
Alex Young | Head of Modern Languages
16
THE MALVERNIAN