Language Centre (University of Groningen)

During Bommen Berend, Groningen celebrates the successful defence against the siege led by Bishop Bernard von Galen in 1672. Annually on 28 August, the people of Groningen celebrate with parades, fireworks, and cultural events to commemorate the city’s victory and resilience during the siege. 🎆

In honour of the Relief, the University of Groningen will focus on the themes of freedom and resilience with activities such as lectures, tours, and live music. Find the programme of this educational experience on the UG website! 👉 https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/latest-news/news/archief2024/nieuwsberichten/relief-of-groningen-at-the-ug

Visit the University of Groningen at Noorderzon, the festival of performing arts and society! 🌞🎭

Noorderzon Groningen mainly takes place in the Noorderplantsoen, with additional events across the city centre. Enjoy a variety of cultural performances while savouring bites and drinks! Be sure to explore the University’s contributions, such as the Speech Lab, where you can see how your tongue moves during speech, discover dialects, learn some words in Gronings, and even participate in a scientific experiment! 🗣️👉 https://www.noorderzon.nl/programma/faculteit-der-letteren-rijksuniversiteit-groningen

Most of the University’s contributions are in Dutch, and the Speech Lab offers a great opportunity to dive into the Dutch language and dialects!

Always wanted to learn a new language or improve your language skills? Many of our courses start in September, so get ready! You can register up to one week before the starting date.

Take a look at our extensive range of courses on offer! 👇
https://www.rug.nl/language-centre/language-courses/schedule

Planning a trip to Portugal? Arrive prepared by learning these words, and start communicating in Portuguese! 🇵🇹

Today, our MOOC starts! You can still enrol for our free online course Introduction to Dutch. Get to know the basics of Dutch vocabulary and grammar, and get a glimpse of Dutch culture, Groningen, and its University! For more information, visit our website.

Did you know that every language has its own word for ‘meow’? Today is the perfect occasion to pamper our cats even more. Happy International Cat Day! 😸🤍

Learn to speak, write, and understand the basics of Dutch with our free, three-week online course! 🇳🇱

Starting next week, our self developed free online course Introduction to Dutch is back. The course we developed ourselves is open to everyone and requires no prior knowledge of the language, as it starts from scratch! Over a three-week period, you will learn how to introduce yourself and your friends and family, as well as how to talk about work or study. You will also explore Dutch culture, the city of Groningen, and the University of Groningen, in preparation for visiting Groningen and its University.

Sign up for the course starting on 12 August! You can sign up until three weeks after the starting date. More information can be found on our website. 🌷

These few words might come in handy for your stay in Sweden. Enjoy! 🇸🇪

Whether you would like to be able to talk to your English-speaking friends more fluently or improve your English skills for study or work purposes, we offer several courses starting in August and September. Check out the schedule on our website and sign up now!

Parlez-vous Français? 🥐 🥖

The French language is widely spoken in our world and has a cultural, linguistic, diplomatic, and historical significance. In fact, French has influenced many languages, so you might recognize some words of French origin that are used in your own language, such as ‘cuisine’, ‘déjà vu’, or ‘croissant’. After exactly 100 years, the Summer Olympics return to Paris. Tune in from 26 July and cheer on your favourite teams: ‘allez, allez!’

We collaborate with the Institut français NL in offering French courses at all levels, suitable for everyone. Visit our website for more information on the French courses! 🇫🇷

🚨 Only 4 days left to get your early bird discount! 🚨
In August and September, we are again offering a diverse range of language courses. Early birds can now benefit from a €50 discount! Do not hesitate any longer and register before Tuesday for one of the language courses listed here👉https://www.rug.nl/language-centre/about-us/news/early-bird-discount

Do you have a vacation planned to a Spanish-speaking country? Then these words can come in very handy!

Here are a few words that might come in handy during your stay in Japan! 🇯🇵

Would you like to learn more about the Japanese language? Start your Japanese language course right after the summer!

Get your €50 early bird discount now! In August and September, we are again offering a diverse range of language courses. Early birds can now benefit from a €50 discount! Do not hesitate any longer and register for one of the language courses listed here 👉 https://www.rug.nl/language-centre/about-us/news/early-bird-discount

Last chance to enroll! Turn differences into advantages — and help others do the same. 1, 2 and 3-day professional development courses this July https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/sorted-by-alphabet/developing-across-differences

Enhance your skills, expand your network and be inspired at the 3rd annual Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Week offered together with the Institute for Developing Across Differences.

🔸EXPANDING THE REPERTOIRE – Drs. Carrière , 8 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../summe.../13-expanding-the-repertoire/
🔸MOVING PAST THE PAST – Dr. Singh, Dr. Binder– 9 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../summer.../16-moving-past-the-past/
🔸(DE)POLARISING DIALOGUE – Nenadovic, PhD, 8-9 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../summer.../03-de-polarising-dialogue/
🔸COACHING & MENTORING ACROSS DIFFERENCES – Dr. Rao , 8-9 July https://www.rug.nl/.../12-culturally-adaptive-coaching/
🔸ADDRESSING HOT GLOBAL ISSUES LOCALLY - Nenadovic, PhD, 10 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../17-addressing-hot-global-issues.../
🔸DESIGNING INCLUSIVE, INTERCULTURAL ORGANISATIONS – Dr. Rao, Drs. Carrière ,10-11 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../summer.../02-inclusive-organisations/
🔸APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE – Dr. Nguyen, 10-12 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../summer.../01-using-neuroscience/
🔸BUILDING INTERCULTURAL VIABILITY(TM) IN ORGANIZATIONS – Dr. Bennett , 10-12 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../05-building-intercultural-viability/
🔸EDUCATING FOR GLOBAL-READY GRADUATES: – Dr. Darla Deardorff, 11-12 July
https://www.rug.nl/.../summer.../07-advanced-techniques/
APPLY BY 30 JUNE

Developing Across Differences Developing Across Differences sorted by alphabet

Are you planning to go to Germany this summer? These words may help you on your way! ☀️🏖️

Do you want to expand your knowledge about a new language beyond the teaching materials? Find new impulses from entertainment sources in the language of your choice, and learn the language even quicker. Besides, you’ll get acquainted with slang language and everyday expressions! 📖🎬🎧

Are you a music lover? Test your listening comprehension in songs at Lyricstraining.com! Whether you are a bookworm or cinephile, every source of entertainment has options for you to expand your knowledge of your new language! 🎶

Would you like to communicate easier in Spanish? Start with one of the Spanish conversational courses this summer. Since we offer this course at different levels, you can start at a level that suits you!

Sign up! 👉 rug.nl/language-centre/language-courses/spanish

In our previous ‘How to master a new language’ post, we highlighted the importance of practising a new language with someone else. A language café is the ideal place to learn how to speak a foreign language. You can practise in an informal setting with native speakers, meet new people, and get a glimpse of a new culture! Come visit one of the language cafes in Groningen, such as the weekly Cafe de las Lenguas Groningen in the Harmonie building! 🗯️

In our rapidly globalizing world, the competence to bridge cultural differences is necessary for any sustainable, pluralistic society. During our Summer School on Intercultural Competence for professionals, you will gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences and foster intercultural competence. Besides, you will learn how to instil the value of internationalization in other people. 🗺️

Sign up before 4 June for the Summer School in July!

We warmly invite you to take part in the third annual European edition of the Developing Across Differences (DAD) Learning Lab and Community Week this 7-13 July 2024, hosted by our partner the Institute for Developing Across Differences. Turn differences into advantages — and help others do the same. 1, 2 and 3-day professional development courses this July https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/sorted-by-alphabet/developing-across-differences

🔸EXPANDING THE REPERTOIRE – Drs. Carrière , 8 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/13-expanding-the-repertoire/

🔸MOVING PAST THE PAST – Dr. Singh, Dr. Binder– 9 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/16-moving-past-the-past/

🔸(DE)POLARISING DIALOGUE – Nenadovic, PhD, 8-9 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/03-de-polarising-dialogue/

🔸COACHING & MENTORING ACROSS DIFFERENCES – Dr. Rao , 8-9 July https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/12-culturally-adaptive-coaching/

🔸ADDRESSING HOT GLOBAL ISSUES LOCALLY - Nenadovic, PhD, 10 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/17-addressing-hot-global-issues-locally/

🔸DESIGNING INCLUSIVE, INTERCULTURAL ORGANISATIONS – Dr. Rao, Drs. Carrière ,10-11 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/02-inclusive-organisations/

🔸APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE – Dr. Nguyen, 10-12 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/01-using-neuroscience/

🔸BUILDING INTERCULTURAL VIABILITY(TM) IN ORGANIZATIONS – Dr. Bennett , 10-12 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/05-building-intercultural-viability/

🔸EDUCATING FOR GLOBAL-READY GRADUATES: – Dr. Darla Deardorff, 11-12 July
https://www.rug.nl/education/summer-winter-schools/07-advanced-techniques/

APPLY BY 30 JUNE

Developing Across Differences Developing Across Differences sorted by alphabet

If you want to learn how to master a new language, one of the best ways to do so is to practise with someone else. Groningen offers various opportunities for you to develop your language skills. An additional benefit to practising together is that you will get to meet someone new and create a special bond. Find your language buddy in Groningen! 👥

The Language Centre offers you the opportunity to find a native speaker of your desired language, and vice versa. Check out our website!

offers a buddy programme, where you can help a new student feel welcome or find a buddy during your stay in Groningen. Their Language Exchange Programme is a great way for you to practise a foreign language. You can sign up on the website of ESN.

Do you want to practise your Dutch? My Local Friend, is part of .nl and pairs internationals with locals in Groningen! 💬

Good luck practising your new language!

Ciao a tutti! 🇮🇹

Italian was only recognized as the official language of Italy by the Parliament of Rome in 2007! Before that, Italy was a collection of city-states where people spoke different dialects, shaped by the rich history and cultural influences of various regions.

We all know the delicious Italian cuisine as a part of the vibrant Italian culture. Italian food has transcended borders with familiar delights such as pizza, pasta, espresso, and cappuccino. Ever found yourself nodding off after indulging in Italian food? Blame it on the ‘abbiocco’! 🤌

Do you know a bit of Italian and would you like to practise your speaking skills to become a real ‘chiacchierone’? A new round of our conversational Italian courses will start in June!

Improve your Korean speaking skills with the conversational Korean course offered by the University of Groningen Language Centre! Get a handle on the language through many fun activities involving Korean speech, such as role playing, language games, themed cards, and Q&A sessions. This approach ensures an accessible and effective way for you to learn how to speak better Korean!

Sign up 👉 https://language-centre.rug.nl/en/course-language-centre/conversational-korean-elementary

Are you ready for the Eurovision Song Contest? In the final round on 11 May, 26 countries will be competing for the title Winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Last year, Loreen, who represented Sweden, won the title with the song ‘Tattoo’, making Sweden this year’s host country. It promises to be a great show, with various acts, music styles, and lots of talent. Are you excited? We certainly are, with so many different languages coming together! 🕺

The University Translation and Correction Service (UVC) offered by the Language Centre works on various translation services. We talked with Elena Lobanov, coordinator of the department, about the importance of human translation compared to artificial intelligence.👉

Achter de schermen bij de Universitaire Vertaal- en Correctiedienst (UVC) De Universitaire Vertaal- en Correctiedienst aangeboden door het Talencentrum richt zich op verschillende vertaaldiensten. We spraken met Elena Lobanov,...

Are you in need of brushing up your English speaking skills? This course is aimed at advanced level English speakers, who wish to improve their speaking skills. The course comprises various exercises such as role plays, language games, debates and teamwork activities. This course will therefore be the perfect opportunity to improve your speaking skills in a fun and relaxed way. Sign up before 20 May, and start improving your English speaking skills!

Find out more 👉 https://language-centre.rug.nl/cursus-talencentrum/conversatiecursus-engels-b2-c1

We have recently launched our first Ukrainian language course! The Ukrainian language is famous for its beautiful melodic sounds, and has been recognized as the second most melodic language in the world after Italian! 🎶 The language is still developing up until today, and counts as many as 256,000 words.

Happy King’s Day! On 27 April, we traditionally celebrate King Willem Alexander’s birthday in the Netherlands. Mark this national holiday in your diary and follow our tips to come well prepared. Don’t forget to wear something orange when you visit one of the many free events in Groningen, and enjoy your day! 🧡