THE UNIVERSITY of Reading is celebrating linguistic diversity with a new event marking International Mother Language Day.
My Mother Tongue: A Celebration of Community Languages, organised by the Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism (CeLM), will arrive at the LifeSpring Church in central Reading next week.
The event will provide a welcoming space for attendees to share their experiences with one another, and take part in a number of cultural activities.
There will be art displays, international poetry, Egyptian folk music, Sudanese dancing and song, as well a calligraphy showcases and story time for younger attendees.
CeLM, which is based at the University of Reading, works to engage with diverse linguistic communities with the aim of empowering them, and stands as an established hub for leading research in diversity in culture and language.
Dr Holly Joseph, director of CeLM, said: “In Reading, we have an incredible richness of languages and cultures.
“This event is an opportunity to honour that diversity, bring people together, and celebrate its importance.
“A person’s mother language is the first language that they learn, and for many, it is the strongest connection that they have to their home, their identity, and their culture.”
“Register to attend using the form or turn up on the day.”
My Mother Tongue: A Celebration of Community Languages free to attend, with sign-up available via: reading.ac.uk/news
The event takes place at LifeSpring Church, Oxford Road, from 11am-3pm on Wednesday, February 21.
