German comic stands up for festival of languages 

He’s the self-styled German ambassador of comedy to the UK and he claims it’s not the easiest of jobs. But Henning Wehn’s wry view of language learning and cultural differences made an hilarious addition to the Festival of Languages at the University.

Henning spoke about how he has adapted to life in “Sarf” London at a public lecture at the Djanogly Recital Hall hosted by the University’s Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS).

His appearance was part of the British Academy’s first Language Week to promote the learning and use of languages in schools, universities, policy making and public life.

Professor Pat Thomson, Director of CAS, said: “We are delighted to be working with the British Academy on this programme. Languages and Cultural Studies are an important strength in the University’s Faculty of Arts and all our students, from all disciplines, should take advantage of their time at university to learn at least one language. The festival flags the importance of languages for your future career and to highlight the shear enjoyment and cultural enrichment that languages can bring.”

The festival included the screening of film entries to the University’s Foreign Film Making Competition, an exhibition on the history of German textbooks for English speakers from the past two centuries and a workshop on the value of language skills to prospective employers.

On a lighter note, Henning Wehn told his appreciative audience he encouraged Britons to pick up a foreign language — and told them to stop denying they were Europeans. “We need a United Europe,” he said. “And it must speak with one voice. German.”

Nottingham hosts Malaysian Games spectacular

The University welcomed more than 5,000 students from 50 universities to the 28th Nottingham Malaysian Games, last month.

Bessima Jamal, a second year Medicine student and Vice President of organisers the Nottingham Malaysian Society, said: “The best thing about the Games is for people from all over the UK and Ireland to gather in one place, meet new people, network with each other, and have fun.”

Supported by the University and the Students’ Union, the Games were officially opened by Vice-Chancellor Professor David Greenaway and Ministers from the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry for Youth and Sports, Malaysia.

Helen Rylands, sponsorship co-ordinator in the University’s International Office, explained: “We are proud to support such a high-profile event. It’s a huge undertaking, and the students work incredibly hard to ensure that the Games run smoothly.

“Nottingham has a long tradition of welcoming students from Malaysia and remains a popular destination for students.”

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