Sheffield festival calling for multilingual families to showcase diversity of city

As part of a national festival of social science, the School of Education at the University of Sheffield wants to explore what it means to be multilingual and is collecting ‘family networks’ to highlight Sheffield’s multilingual and multicultural diversity.

The project is being overseen by researchers, Dr Jessica Bradley - who’s research is across languages, linguistics and the arts - and Dr Sabine Little - who’s research centres around identity and belonging in the context of multilingual families.

They said: “What words, customs, and songs have travelled with you to Sheffield?

“Tell us a bit about the countries and languages that make up your family network. You might pick an expression, a habit, a festivity, a nursery rhyme, a lullaby – anything you would like to share.”

People are encouraged to write words or stories in other languages too, especially as it is estimated that in Sheffield alone over 150 different languages are spoken, adding to the idea of a ‘vibrant, multicultural, multilingual community.’

Family networks can be input on an interactive map and language stories can be shared via the website too.

The online festival - running from November 7 to 15 - is free and consists of a series of talks, debates, films, podcasts and interactive exhibitions.

For more information about the project or the festival, see: https://understandingsociety.sheffield.ac.uk/2020/our-super-diverse-city/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.