Languages Week at Stellenbosch University (SU) took place from 3 to 7 March, bringing students and staff together to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. Organised by the SU Language Centre, the week featured both in-person and online activities designed to promote linguistic exchange and deepen cross-cultural understanding. As part of the EUTOPIA Alliance – a global network of universities committed to inclusivity, multilingualism, and diversity – SU contributed to a global effort to honour the richness of languages and cultures.
“Multilingualism is not just about learning different languages and keeping them in separate boxes; it’s about developing a multilingual mindset where these languages interact, recognizing the value of all languages in creating inclusive, authentic spaces where everyone’s identity is respected and seen,” says Sanet de Jager, Senior Interpreter and Marketing Liaison at the SU Language Centre. Languages Week embodied this vision with events that encouraged linguistic exchange and cultural dialogue. The events included taster courses in isiXhosa, South African Sign Language, and Afrikaans, as well as a workshop on developing a multilingual mindset. Students and staff also participated in interactive events such as the Afrikaans Poetry Showcase, Multilingual Karaoke, and the Language Café.
Misha Fray, a third-year student who attended the Afrikaans Poetry event, emphasized that celebrating one’s language while embracing others is important in a multilingual environment like Stellenbosch. “Languages Week broadens communities and promotes inclusivity,” she said. Samara Laubscher and Chanté Dismore, third-year students who also attended Languages Week events, agreed on the importance of recognizing linguistic diversity. “Languages Week helps students appreciate their language and break down stigmas,” said Samara. Chanté added that it creates a safe space to express oneself in various languages, encouraging dialogue and understanding among speakers of different languages.
Looking ahead, Languages Week will remain a key event at SU, offering students the opportunity to engage with languages, cultures, and communities in meaningful ways. With its focus on multilingualism, it invites students to discover the power of language as a tool for connection. As the university community grows, the spirit of Languages Week will linger in the air, leaving a lasting impact and celebrating the diverse voices that make Stellenbosch unique.
By Zandri van Greunen
