European Day of Languages

Salut! Guten tag! Buon giorno! Shwmae! Hello! Yes, it’s European Day of Languages today, a time to celebrate the diversity of languages across our continent. Take a look at the EDL website for more information about the day and about languages in general. For instance, did you know that there are about 255 indigenous languages in Europe? Or that at least half the world’s population speak two or more languages? And there can’t be many people out there who know that Sandra Bullock is a fluent German speaker! If you’re thinking of learning another language, or just want to brush up on that secondary school French in time for your next holiday across the Channel, we’ve got lots of books and CDs to help you in Townhill and Swansea Business School Library. Pop in and have a look!

European Day of Languages

Bonjour! Shwmae? The special days are coming thick and fast at the moment! Today we celebrate the different languages spoken throughout the world and the rich cultures they represent.

You can find out all about the European Day of Languages on the official website. There’s also lots of information on the CILT (The National Centre for Languages) website, including some ideas of how you might mark the day. Why not slip some greetings or phrases from different languages into your conversation today? If you need some help to boost your vocabulary, your Swansea Met library might be able to help. Use the catalogue to search for the language you’re interested in to see what sorts of books and CDs are available.

Hasta luego!

Happy Saint David's Day! / Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant!

Image: Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As we celebrate all things Welsh on Saint David's Day this Tuesday why not call in at one of your SMU libraries and learn a little bit more about the culture and history of this fantastic country!

We have Wales: The Rough Guide (shelfmark 914.29 WAL) if you fancy doing some travelling and seeing the sights. Maybe you're feeling adventurous and fancy learning the language too... why not borrow our multimedia course for beginners Cwrs Mynediad (491.6682421 MEE). If it's history that interests you take a look at History of Wales by John Davies (942.9 DAV), or if you're an aspiring poet why not immerse yourself in the Selected Poems of Dylan Thomas (821.912 THO). Finally, for those of you who prefer to surf the net, you could check out the fabulous website for welsh heritage and culture Gathering the Jewels ( http://www.gtj.org.uk/ ).

If that little lot doesn't get you feeling all patriotic on March 1st then call into the Owen Library on Mount Pleasant Campus and pick up a pin-on daffodil in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Wear your daffodil with pride!