Annual European Day of Languages event attracts young people from across the region
The region’s schoolchildren have come together to celebrate languages and cultures from around the world at the annual University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) European Day of Languages event.
More than 100 pupils from Lancashire and Greater Manchester visited the University to try out a variety of foreign languages, sample food cooked by UCLan’s international students from around the world including China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain and Turkey and speak to them about their cultures. The visitors were also able to hear first-hand what it is like to study abroad from students fresh from their placement year.
UCLan has held the event for more than 10 years, which was established to encourage young people to learn about other cultures and international opportunities.
Jess Turner, a 14-year-old pupil from Penwortham Girls High School, said: “Speaking to students who have studies abroad was really interesting, especially the girl who went to China. I’m currently learning German and French at school and it’s great to be given the opportunity to try out other languages such as Arabic and Japanese during this visit.”
Ruth Everat, Head of Languages at Oakhill College in Whalley, commented: “We’ve brought our students to this event for the last few years and they really benefit from it. It reinforces everything we want them to understand about learning other languages and the opportunities this can bring. We can’t get this kind of experience anywhere else.”
Senior Lecturer from the School of Journalism, Language and Communication, Silke Engelbart, organised the celebration. She commented: “This annual event is becoming increasingly popular and schools return each year to take part. We want to inspire these young people to embrace other cultures, meet new people and feel confident in trying new languages. The UCLan students who help out do a great job of engaging with the schoolchildren and sharing some very tasty dishes from their native countries.”