One of our Welfare Secs, Aidan, explores the influence of Portuguese on the Japanese language and the relationship between the two languages. Read on to discover the true origin of a very popular Japanese dish!

Ever wonder why you sometimes can’t recall words or have started wording things weirdly in English? So have I! And, don’t panic, you’re not forgetting your English. Let’s dive together into the lesser-known linguistic field of first language attrition and how this affects us as language learners.

Studying for a language degree is no mean feat, with what can seem like endless grammar tasks, vocab lists and verb tables. For this edition of Welfare Wednesday, one of our Welfare Secs, Jess Henrys shares her top tips for scheduling to help you stay on top of your language learning.

Whilst learning a language can often be rewarding and exciting, you will most likely find yourself struggling from time to time. They are a commitment, but the more you put in, the greater progress you’ll make. Our Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, a 3rd year Spanish and Mandarin Student, takes you through her top 5 tips for keeping on top of your Chinese knowledge – both the language and cultural-awareness.

With the demand for foreign-language speakers on the rise, new research has uncovered just how valuable these skills can prove to be to the UK on an economic level. Examining the current and future language-learning scene, 3rd year Spanish and Mandarin language student and Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, highlights this report’s main findings. Comparing these against the clear trend of declining uptake and accessibility to certain languages, beginning in primary schools and working its way up to university level, she poses the question of whether our government’s vision for a “Global Britain” is realistic or, rather, idealistic.

Mhairi, our Deputy Editor in Chief, lists some top female linguists to celebrate intelligent females across the globe for International Women's Day