From hieroglyphs to geopolitics: discover at festival just how valuable an understanding of languages and cultures is
Which language will you pass on to your child? What did the people of Leiden sing in the seventeenth century? How does Russian propaganda work? Leiden University is opening its doors on Saturday 26 September for a special public festival. During the Day of Languages and Cultures, visitors will discover why knowledge of languages and cultures is so valuable.
Buy your tickets now!
Anyone with a curious mind is welcome: from families and schoolchildren to university students, expats and anyone else who’s interested. Admission is €8.50, including a drink. Students pay €5 and entry is free for young people aged 18 and under.
TicketsLanguage tells us who we are and how we view the world
'Many people think of languages in terms of grammar or learning vocabulary, but language tells stories about who we are, how we live together and how we view the world,' says Peter Bisschop, Professor of Sanskrit and Ancient Cultures of South Asia. 'Particularly at a time when international developments and cultural differences dominate the news on a daily basis, we want to demonstrate just how valuable knowledge of languages and cultures is.'
40+ ways to explore the world!
Discover the world of language and culture on a fascinating journey through six regions of the world. There’s plenty to experience in the Herta Mohr Building and the University Library: choose from over 40 interactive workshops, talks, games and guided tours. Decipher ancient hieroglyphs and cuneiform, learn to read Korean in just forty minutes, immerse yourself in an escape room exploring African voices, or discover how Russian propaganda works, learn about how endangered languages, music, literature and history shape our society.
Practical information and the programme
We’ve put together an overview of all the things to do in each region of the world! Join us on our journey and come and discover them for yourself.
Collaboration
The Day of Languages and Cultures is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Humanities, the European Commission, Leiden University Libraries (UBL), Leiden Global, the Centre for African Studies (ASCL) and the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV).