Spotlight on EUTOPIA’s Language Week 2025

The Third EUTOPIA Language Week, held from March 3-7, 2025, celebrated linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and intercultural dialogue across the EUTOPIA network. Through a mix of virtual and in-person events, participants engaged with different languages and cultures, which reflect EUTOPIA's commitment to bridging linguistic divides in pursuit of global citizenship.

The week included a variety of activities, such as language taster courses, intercultural student conferences, creative performances, and discussions on multilingualism and diversity. These events provided participants with opportunities to engage with different linguistic communities and explore emerging career paths, as well as reflect on the intersections of language, identity, and global mobility.

The opening plenary featured a welcome address by Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, alongside scholars such as Jo Angouri (who moderated the discussion), Zhu Hua, and Loredana Polezzi. Croft emphasized the fundamental role of language in shaping a more equal society and the need for dynamic educational models that integrate both monolingual and multilingual learning. Zhu Hua’s talk challenged common assumptions about cultural fit and linguistic penalty in job interviews. Her presentation highlighted how linguistic capital, or the lack of, can impact hiring decisions and professional opportunities. She pointed out how non-native speakers and those from minority backgrounds often face implicit biases due to differing communication styles rather than language proficiency itself. Polezzi explored the nexus of translation and migration, emphasizing how translation is not just finding linguistic equivalents, but rather a transformative process tied to emotions, memory, and identity.

Another key session, Beyond Translation: Emerging Careers in the Global Language Industry, examined the evolving landscape of multilingual professions. Panellists, who came from academia and industry, such as Netflix, discussed how advancements in AI, digital communication, and global business are reshaping the demand for language professionals. They highlighted the importance of adaptability, cultural literacy, and interdisciplinary skills in navigating careers in translation, localization, and language technology. The discussion illuminated the increasing need for multilingual individuals who can bridge linguistic and cultural divides in diverse professional fields.

The session on Data Management and Reproducibility in Linguistics and Literary Studies addressed critical issues surrounding research transparency and methodological rigor. VUB open science expert, Thijs Devriendt, shared best practices for handling data in general and linguistic data in particular, ensuring ethical research practices, and making scholarly work more accessible. The presentation highlighted the role of digital tools in facilitating data reproducibility, while also addressing challenges in FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data.

Throughout the week, other activities showcased the breadth of linguistic and cultural engagement. Online events included sessions on developing a multilingual mindset and introductory courses in languages such as Afrikaans, IsiXhosa, and South African Sign Language. Meanwhile, in-person gatherings at different EUTOPIA universities offered further opportunities for cultural immersion, such as an Afrikaans poetry showcase at Stellenbosch, multilingual karaoke nights, and film screenings across multiple campuses.

Overall, the EUTOPIA Language Week underscored the important role of language in education, professional settings, and cultural expression. Shining a spotlight on linguistic diversity and the challenges associated with multilingualism, the event reaffirmed EUTOPIA’s mission to create inclusive and globally engaged learning environments.