We are delighted to share that aspiring linguist, Amelia Hudson (Lower Sixth), has been taking part in Emmanuel College, Cambridge’s Outreach Langevity programme since January.
The initiative offers students with a keen interest in languages the opportunity to explore different linguistic and historical perspectives beyond the classroom.
The programme includes a webinar series from January to March, covering six language groups, linguistics and history with a language, as well as a free residential in April.
Amelia reflected on her experience so far: “Since participating in the programme, I have thoroughly enjoyed it because it has not just focused on speaking the language or the linguistics of it, but has also involved historical, literary and classical elements. After all, it is quite difficult to teach a language, especially one with a different or ancient alphabet, within an hour, so most people come to the sessions without any previous knowledge. The session before the half term break explored the Slavonic (Slavic) languages, and we studied Alexander Pushkin’s The Water-Nymph in English translation. This was incredibly interesting, as there were many religious, mythological and historical themes rather than a focus on grammar.
“While language learning is crucial, understanding the science behind language, linguistics, is equally important. Linguistics is the study of language structure, sounds and meanings. By studying linguistics, you learn how languages evolve, how dialects form and how communication shapes society. It is a fascinating field that connects language to everything from psychology to AI. If you are curious about how languages work or love patterns and puzzles, a linguistics course might be the perfect extracurricular activity for you.”
Mme Helm (Head of MFL) added: “Extracurricular activities in Modern Foreign Languages and Linguistics are about more than textbooks, they provide opportunities to connect with others, take part in events and explore languages in an engaging way. Whether you are starting a new language or deepening your knowledge, these activities help develop cultural understanding, communication skills and analytical thinking.
“In today’s world, being able to speak multiple languages is a valuable skill, opening doors to travel, career opportunities and a broader perspective on different cultures. Language learning is not just about vocabulary and grammar; it is about understanding how people communicate and how languages evolve. Engaging with linguistics sharpens problem-solving skills and enhances learning across all subjects. If you are curious about languages, why not get involved in an extracurricular activity and explore where it can take you?”
