UNSW Languages Festival 2024
This year's UNSW Languages Festival will be held on the 25th and 26th of September. Join us to celebrate the diverse languages we teach and speak in the School of Humanities and Languages.
Learning a language opens up entirely new worlds! It offers the opportunity for exciting cultural experiences and mouth-watering culinary exchanges. It gives you the chance to develop fresh understanding and new forms of intimacy, and to pursue unexpected avenues in life, whether in your friendships or in your career. Given our increasingly diverse country and our interconnected world, learning a language is more important than ever. In UNSW's Languages Festival we invite you to explore and celebrate the languages you can learn at UNSW, whether as part of a major or minor, or just for fun.
- Professor Taylor Sherman, Head of School, School of Humanities & Languages, ADA
Opening Event
Wednesday, 25th of September at 12:00pm @ the Library Lawn, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Join us for the opening celebration of our Languages Festival. Immerse yourself in music, dance and flavours from around the world, while you connect with language enthusiasts and discover new cultural traditions. Let's celebrate in style!
12:00pm: Welcome to Country and opening of UNSW Languages Festival 2024
12.15pm: Live music with virtuoso harpist Valdes and soprano Monroy
Highlights
A Captivating Musical Exploration
Wednesday, 25th of September at 12:15pm @ the Library Lawn
Join us on an unforgettable musical adventure as renowned harpist Maestro Victor Valdés and acclaimed soprano Paola Monroy take the stage. Their unique performance will transport you across the globe, showcasing a diverse repertoire of compositions from the captivating realms of Latin America and Europe.
This one-of-a-kind concert promises to captivate and inspire, offering a truly unforgettable multilingual musical journey that you won't want to miss.
Exploring the Enchanting Melodies of the Guzheng
Thursday, 26th of September at 1:00pm @ the Library Lawn
Holding a Master's degree in Guzheng Performance, Zhou Yunan has captivated audiences with her concerts and work promoting traditional Chinese music at Aimee's Music School in Sydney. Zhou Yunan's dynamic repertoire will showcase the technical mastery and creative expression of the guzheng, from the evocative "Yi Dance" to the beloved "Lantingxu." Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and contemporary evolution of this extraordinary instrument.
Celebrating the Silk Road's Captivating Traditions
Wednesday, 25th of September at 1:00 pm @ the Library Lawn
Discover the rich heritage of the Silk Road through mesmerizing performances of Mongolian throat singing, Persian traditional music, and Uyghur Muqam and dance. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Inner Asian instruments like the morin khuur, dutar, dap/daf, and satar.
Join us for this musical and cultural feast, celebrating the diverse traditions from the steppes, mountains, oases, and deserts of the Silk Road.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
FREE Cooking Classes (Spanish and French)
Paella Perfection
Wednesday, 25th of September at 10:00 am @ the Library Lawn
Are you ready to master the art of making authentic and delicious paella? Look no further! Our paella cooking class is the perfect opportunity for you to learn the secrets of the iconic Spanish dish. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn the art of paella cooking while having fun and learning some Spanish sentences.
SOLD OUT
French Crêpes Crafting
Thursday, 26th of September at 10:00 am @ the Library Lawn
Learn how to make French crêpes with our easy and foolproof recipe. Our French crêpes cooking class is the perfect opportunity for you to learn the art of creating these delectable treats while learning some French.
SOLD OUT
Live music
Library Lawn, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Are you a music lover? Join us and experience the magic of music from around the globe. Our events showcase a variety of music genres from different countries, giving you the opportunity to experience new sounds and cultures.
- Japanese Drum performance
- Greek Music
- Latin Salsa Performance
- And more!
Intrigued by Bilingual Careers?
Interpreters and Translators – a Professional Pathway for Bilingual Speakers
Thursday, 26th of September at 3:30 pm @ Room 104, Morven Brown, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Explore the exciting world of interpreting and translation. Discover the work of professional interpreters and translators and learn about the education and training available. Discuss the impact of technology on the field and see live interpreting demonstrations by our students.
Whether you're bilingual or just curious, this session has the answers you've been seeking. Join us and unlock the endless possibilities of a career in languages.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Languages Lounge. Spotlight on Careers in Languages and Linguistics.
Thursday, 26th of September at 05:00- 07:00 pm @ the Teaching Commons, Dalton Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Discover the diverse career paths available with a background in languages and linguistics. Chat with representatives from various organisations, hear firsthand experiences from alumni, and explore opportunities across a range of employment sectors. Whether you're interested in translation, interpretation, language education, or applying your linguistic skills in unexpected ways, this event has something for everyone.
Unlock the potential of your language expertise and gain insights into the rewarding careers that await.
Discussing Gender Equity through Inclusive Language
Wednesday, 25th of September at 3:30-4:30pm @ the Teaching Commons, Dalton Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Language significantly shapes social structures, and universities, committed to providing a discrimination-free learning environment, encourage gender-fair language use in all communication and teaching practices. Avoiding male biases is a challenge for foreign language teaching and interpreting. Our round table takes stock of the issues surrounding gender equity in English and foreign languages and ways to avoid gender stereotyping.
Learn with us
Unlock the personal and professional benefits of multilingualism!
Here are some compelling reasons to consider learning a language with us:
Boost Your Career: Knowing a second or third language can be a valuable asset in the job market, making you a more competitive candidate.
Go on Exchange: Mastering a new language can open doors to exciting study abroad or exchange opportunities.
Meet New People: Taking a language class is a great way to connect with others and it's a fun experience.
Understand other Cultures: Learning a new language can help you gain a deeper understanding of other cultures and customs. You'll be able to communicate with locals when you travel, enriching your appreciation and experience.
Improve Brain Function: Studies show that learning a new language can enhance cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.