The International Office are sponsors of International Mother Language Day 2015, organised by local community volunteers, Students’ Union cultural groups, alumni and students of the University.

This celebratory event recognises the importance of language in maintaining cultural heritage and in creating an awareness of linguistic diversity. Visitors can drop by during the day to get a taste of the activities on offer and learn more about the different languages spoken by staff, students and alumni of the University.

Come along to see the rolling video made by UoN students on the significance of the day, particularly for the Bangladeshi community and the Bengali language. It remembers events of 1952 where students were killed whilst trying to preserve their right to speak and write in their mother tongue.

You can experience alpana art, watch or participate in a range of traditional dances, listen to world music, try on traditional outfits from various cultures, sample Bengali cuisine, take part in interactive language games, enter our mehndi/henna booth where volunteers will offer to paint floral or other designs on the palm/hand of guests, learn the art of calligraphy, take away our language postcards to send a special greeting to your family and friends.

Be inspired to take up a new language, get involved in our GlobalU activities, or find out more about studying abroad as part of the University’s mobility programme.

For more information, visit the UNESCO website, Facebook event page or contact Melanie Bentham-Hill in the International Support and Engagement Team, tel: 0115 951 5247