In this inaugural lecture, Professor Nicola McLelland, School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies, will examine the history of teaching and learning languages in Europe since about 1500. Who decides what is ‘correct’, what is not, and how? How have people explained the rules? And how have Europeans taught and learnt their own and others’ languages?

The lecture will concentrate on the case of German for English speakers, with forays into French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Russian and Chinese.

Admission free, all welcome.