European Day of Speech & Language – Local Event

Birmingham City University will celebrate the European Day of Speech and Language with a stand in the foyer of our City South Campus in Edgbaston, manned by students and tutors to promote ICP 2014 & EDSL. Our goal is to raise awareness of SLCN, as well as celebrate the diversity of cultures and languages we have at the university and across the city and region.

We’re asking the following of staff and students from across the faculty of health:

• Do you speak a language other than English? Or, have you lived in a region of the UK where some of the words used differ from English spoken by others? If so, we want to hear from you! Please send us an interesting word or phrase in your language or dialect. It can be a particular expression, greeting, saying, or word to describe something particular to your culture. For example, the word ‘hygge’ in Danish is a concept closely related to “cosiness:” relaxing with loved ones, while enjoying good food and creating a friendly atmosphere by lighting a few candles. Email us the word or phrase and a rough translation (tell us which language or region it is from).
• Tell us about a tradition or custom from your culture (this could be your ethnic group, religion, country/region of origin or heritage, or your community). We are interested in all sorts of traditions (i.e., etiquette, holidays, giving and receiving gifts, gestures, and food). For example, in Polish culture it is customary to give an odd number of flowers as a gift. Please write a brief explanation (no more than 50 words for each tradition) and tell us which culture it is associated with.

Please send answers to either or both questions to [email protected]. We will be compiling your answers to make a presentation to show on the day.