Leeds Language Week returns for a celebration of the city’s multilingualism and cultural diversity

A week of free activities in schools, the community and at the University of Leeds to embrace multilingualism, learn new languages, and connect with the rich cultural tapestry of the globe

Leeds Language Week returns this November for an exciting programme of free events to celebrate the city's languages, cultures, and communities, and highlight our connections to the world.

Over 170 languages are spoken in Leeds, making it one of the most linguistically diverse areas in the UK. The most widely spoken non-UK language in the city is Polish, with over 8,000 Leeds residents using it as their main language, closely followed by Arabic. Other significant communities include speakers of Romanian, Urdu, Panjabi, and Portuguese.

Originally launched as part of Leeds 2023 and now organised by the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, Leeds Language Week aims to highlight the value of the city’s linguistic diversity and of language learning, while encouraging those for whom English is not a first language to cherish and preserve their mother tongue.

This year’s Leeds Language Week is organised by two academics from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures: Sofia Martinho (Associate Professor of Portuguese and Director of the Camões Centre for Portuguese Language) and Bettina Hermoso-Gómez (Lecturer in Spanish and Director of Routes into Languages Yorkshire and Humberside) in collaboration with external partners.

Activities take place across Yorkshire and include a wide range of activities such as in-school language taster workshops, talks, community events, and collaborations with local libraries. 

Highlights:

• A multilingual poetry competition 'Mother Tongue Other Tongue’
• An exploration of African languages
• Wonder Books in Wonder Languages at Leeds Libraries
• A visit to the Leeds Chinese Community School
• A Photo Exhibition
• A Literary Treasure Hunt at the Language Zone
• And a partnership with the Leeds International Film Festival

Sofia Martinho said:

"Leeds Language Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diverse languages and cultures that make our region so vibrant. This event isn't just about language learning – it’s about creating real connections that have a lasting impact on the lives of people in Leeds. By bringing researchers off campus and into the heart of our communities, we’re able to share and grow together in a truly collaborative spirit. It’s inspiring for us as researchers to see the enthusiasm and insights that community members bring, reflecting the multicultural richness of Leeds and showing how language can unite us all."

Bettina Hermoso-Gómez said:

“Leeds Language Week is an opportunity for all of us to discover not only our connections to the global world but to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the languages spoken within our community and embrace the diverse range of international communities that live, work and study in Leeds. The range of activities featured will give plenty of opportunities to experience culture, language learning and multilingualism to anyone who wants to be involved!”

Booking is required for most events, and full details can be found on the Leeds Language Week website.