Emma Cayley 谷曦
@emmacayley.bsky.social
Professor of Medieval French and Head of School of Languages, Cultures & Societies at Uni of Leeds; Chair of UCFL; Co-Chair of AHA; playing card collector; MSS & cat-lover.
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Opinion: “More than ever before, we need British diplomats, spies and soldiers to speak the language of our adversaries. We need universities like Nottingham to be pumping out Russian and Mandarin graduates each year, to work across Whitehall.”
🖊️ Ian Proud
https://ow.ly/N6yw50XwM3X
🖊️ Ian Proud
https://ow.ly/N6yw50XwM3X
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Opinion: “More than ever before, we need British diplomats, spies and soldiers to speak the language of our adversaries. We need universities like Nottingham to be pumping out Russian and Mandarin graduates each year, to work across Whitehall.”
🖊️ Ian Proud
https://ow.ly/N6yw50XwM3X
🖊️ Ian Proud
https://ow.ly/N6yw50XwM3X
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
'It is notable that in the last Research Excellence Framework exercise the Department of American Studies at Nottingham was ranked third in the Area Studies unit of assessment and was one of the top-performing units across the whole of the University of Nottingham.' 1/2
RED ALERT: the University of Nottingham is threatening to close its Department of American Studies, putting all staff at risk of redundancy, and ending any American specialist knowledge in the Faculty of Arts.
Sign the petition here to save jobs:
www.change.org/p/save-ameri...
Sign the petition here to save jobs:
www.change.org/p/save-ameri...
Sign the Petition
SAVE AMERICAN STUDIES TEACHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
www.change.org
November 23, 2025 at 1:38 PM
'It is notable that in the last Research Excellence Framework exercise the Department of American Studies at Nottingham was ranked third in the Area Studies unit of assessment and was one of the top-performing units across the whole of the University of Nottingham.' 1/2
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
My alma mater, Leicester University, is dissolving its Geology Department leading to the loss of 14 staff. Palaeo is being completely axed, despite Leicester's long and storied history in this area (and its current strengths). Please sign this petition!!: www.change.org/p/save-geolo...
Sign the Petition
Save Geology at the University of Leicester
www.change.org
November 19, 2025 at 9:10 AM
My alma mater, Leicester University, is dissolving its Geology Department leading to the loss of 14 staff. Palaeo is being completely axed, despite Leicester's long and storied history in this area (and its current strengths). Please sign this petition!!: www.change.org/p/save-geolo...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Help the the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham save languages. Links in comments.
November 17, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Help the the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham save languages. Links in comments.
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
David Bellos, traducteur et grand spécialiste de Georges Perec, est mort
www.lemonde.fr/disparitions...
www.lemonde.fr/disparitions...
David Bellos, traducteur et grand spécialiste de Georges Perec, est mort
L’universitaire britannique avait publié en 1994 une biographie décisive de l’écrivain français. Il avait aussi retrouvé deux manuscrits que l’auteur lui-même croyait perdus. Il s’est éteint le 26 oct...
www.lemonde.fr
November 15, 2025 at 8:37 PM
David Bellos, traducteur et grand spécialiste de Georges Perec, est mort
www.lemonde.fr/disparitions...
www.lemonde.fr/disparitions...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
A very insightful article on the recent threats to UK modern languages:
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
Support the petitions to stop the closures at Leicester and Nottingham, to sign click here:
www.change.org/p/save-moder...
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
#languages #mfl
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
Support the petitions to stop the closures at Leicester and Nottingham, to sign click here:
www.change.org/p/save-moder...
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
#languages #mfl
November 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM
A very insightful article on the recent threats to UK modern languages:
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
Support the petitions to stop the closures at Leicester and Nottingham, to sign click here:
www.change.org/p/save-moder...
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
#languages #mfl
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
Support the petitions to stop the closures at Leicester and Nottingham, to sign click here:
www.change.org/p/save-moder...
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
#languages #mfl
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
A chance to see a well-used, 3m long, birth scroll made in England c.1500. Covered in prayers & illustrations, in Latin & English, invoking Sts Quiricus & Julitta, it's worn from use, engrained with vaginal fluid, imbued with love, pain, fear, hope & life. 🧵👇
wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/...
wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/...
November 15, 2025 at 8:04 AM
A chance to see a well-used, 3m long, birth scroll made in England c.1500. Covered in prayers & illustrations, in Latin & English, invoking Sts Quiricus & Julitta, it's worn from use, engrained with vaginal fluid, imbued with love, pain, fear, hope & life. 🧵👇
wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/...
wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Times Higher article out today explains the folly of yet more proposed closures in languages (also music, film, philosophy, and others). This time at the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham. Oversight of the changing UK HE landscape for our disciplines has never been more needed or vital.
Every university should renovate the disciplinary framework of its courses and ask whether it is responding to its global responsibilities. But no university should recognise any merit in withdrawing from the study of other languages, cultures & societies
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas
Nottingham and Leicester are taking a swing at language departments. But those proposing closures have taken their eye off the ball, say four linguists
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Times Higher article out today explains the folly of yet more proposed closures in languages (also music, film, philosophy, and others). This time at the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham. Oversight of the changing UK HE landscape for our disciplines has never been more needed or vital.
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
You might have heard that the University of Nottingham plans to suspend all languages courses. This is very disappointing and heartbreaking.
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Sign the Petition
Stop the removal of Modern Languages courses at the University of Nottingham!
www.change.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:26 PM
You might have heard that the University of Nottingham plans to suspend all languages courses. This is very disappointing and heartbreaking.
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it.
www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
'The threat to languages is particularly ironic given Nottingham’s strategy, which promises a vision of a “university without borders” and Leicester’s “Citizens of Change” agenda, aiming to promote global citizenship and inclusivity'.
Global but monoglot: how's that supposed to work?
Global but monoglot: how's that supposed to work?
November 14, 2025 at 9:49 AM
'The threat to languages is particularly ironic given Nottingham’s strategy, which promises a vision of a “university without borders” and Leicester’s “Citizens of Change” agenda, aiming to promote global citizenship and inclusivity'.
Global but monoglot: how's that supposed to work?
Global but monoglot: how's that supposed to work?
Every university should renovate the disciplinary framework of its courses and ask whether it is responding to its global responsibilities. But no university should recognise any merit in withdrawing from the study of other languages, cultures & societies
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas
Nottingham and Leicester are taking a swing at language departments. But those proposing closures have taken their eye off the ball, say four linguists
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Every university should renovate the disciplinary framework of its courses and ask whether it is responding to its global responsibilities. But no university should recognise any merit in withdrawing from the study of other languages, cultures & societies
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Hi there! We’re the Archive Sector Leadership team at The National Archives UK.
We support archives of all types and sizes across England.
Lend us a follow and we’ll keep you updated with opportunities for free training, networking, grants, written guidance and more!
(1/2)
We support archives of all types and sizes across England.
Lend us a follow and we’ll keep you updated with opportunities for free training, networking, grants, written guidance and more!
(1/2)
November 10, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Hi there! We’re the Archive Sector Leadership team at The National Archives UK.
We support archives of all types and sizes across England.
Lend us a follow and we’ll keep you updated with opportunities for free training, networking, grants, written guidance and more!
(1/2)
We support archives of all types and sizes across England.
Lend us a follow and we’ll keep you updated with opportunities for free training, networking, grants, written guidance and more!
(1/2)
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
... we’re starting off strong, as there are even more events today. Check them out:
🔤 Talk: A is for Allegiance – British Library
🧑🏫 Webinar: Languages for All – School Collaborations
🧠 Webinar: UK Linguistics Olympiad Introduction
🇬🇷 Greek Language Taster
☕ Global Café at Common Ground
🔤 Talk: A is for Allegiance – British Library
🧑🏫 Webinar: Languages for All – School Collaborations
🧠 Webinar: UK Linguistics Olympiad Introduction
🇬🇷 Greek Language Taster
☕ Global Café at Common Ground
November 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
... we’re starting off strong, as there are even more events today. Check them out:
🔤 Talk: A is for Allegiance – British Library
🧑🏫 Webinar: Languages for All – School Collaborations
🧠 Webinar: UK Linguistics Olympiad Introduction
🇬🇷 Greek Language Taster
☕ Global Café at Common Ground
🔤 Talk: A is for Allegiance – British Library
🧑🏫 Webinar: Languages for All – School Collaborations
🧠 Webinar: UK Linguistics Olympiad Introduction
🇬🇷 Greek Language Taster
☕ Global Café at Common Ground
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
We had a full room in our Leeds City of Languages Year Abroad Photo Exhibition Opening this morning! Thank you to everybody who joined us!
Join us for two packed weeks celebrating languages, culture & connection — with taster sessions, workshops, school events, and more across Leeds and campus.
Join us for two packed weeks celebrating languages, culture & connection — with taster sessions, workshops, school events, and more across Leeds and campus.
November 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
We had a full room in our Leeds City of Languages Year Abroad Photo Exhibition Opening this morning! Thank you to everybody who joined us!
Join us for two packed weeks celebrating languages, culture & connection — with taster sessions, workshops, school events, and more across Leeds and campus.
Join us for two packed weeks celebrating languages, culture & connection — with taster sessions, workshops, school events, and more across Leeds and campus.
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
My students have set up a petition to persuade the University of Nottingham not to close our Plant Biology BSc course
c.org/VPhzVVrHPS
Please consider signing
c.org/VPhzVVrHPS
Please consider signing
November 8, 2025 at 12:46 PM
My students have set up a petition to persuade the University of Nottingham not to close our Plant Biology BSc course
c.org/VPhzVVrHPS
Please consider signing
c.org/VPhzVVrHPS
Please consider signing
We all know the difficulty the HE sector is in. But let’s work together to come up with solutions. The nuclear option damages our students & the reputation of our institutions. @ucflangs.bsky.social & @artsandhums.bsky.social
are supporting colleagues www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
are supporting colleagues www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Nottingham students fight 'insane' cull of courses
Traitors composer Sam Watts is among those against plans to cut University of Nottingham courses.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 9:33 AM
We all know the difficulty the HE sector is in. But let’s work together to come up with solutions. The nuclear option damages our students & the reputation of our institutions. @ucflangs.bsky.social & @artsandhums.bsky.social
are supporting colleagues www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
are supporting colleagues www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Excellent article here. Our students are our greatest advocates. Counter proposals will be put forward, and we are supporting colleagues in Music, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies at Nottingham with their campaigns www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Nottingham students fight 'insane' cull of courses
Traitors composer Sam Watts is among those against plans to cut University of Nottingham courses.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Excellent article here. Our students are our greatest advocates. Counter proposals will be put forward, and we are supporting colleagues in Music, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies at Nottingham with their campaigns www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Nottingham has one of the most vibrant and forward-looking departments of modern languages around. Music too. To cut them like this, leaving no chance for future rebuilding, is educational vandalism.
tinyurl.com/yr65mjkx
tinyurl.com/yr65mjkx
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
tinyurl.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Nottingham has one of the most vibrant and forward-looking departments of modern languages around. Music too. To cut them like this, leaving no chance for future rebuilding, is educational vandalism.
tinyurl.com/yr65mjkx
tinyurl.com/yr65mjkx
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
The University Council for Languages (UCFL) welcomes the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s response.
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
November 7, 2025 at 11:12 AM
The University Council for Languages (UCFL) welcomes the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s response.
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
Read our reflection here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/11/07/a...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
The University of Nottingham has announced the suspension of all Modern Languages and Cultures (MLC) programmes from September 2026.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 7, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The University of Nottingham has announced the suspension of all Modern Languages and Cultures (MLC) programmes from September 2026.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Read the article by Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Charles Forsdick in the Language Learning special collection on languages education in the school curriculum in England to learn more.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
November 3, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Read the article by Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Charles Forsdick in the Language Learning special collection on languages education in the school curriculum in England to learn more.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
Have you seen ALL's response to the CAR Report?
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
November 6, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Have you seen ALL's response to the CAR Report?
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
You can read it here: www.all-languages.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
What effect do school policies have on uptake and achievement in languages at Key Stage 4?
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
Language Education in the Curriculum
Explore the article collection: Language Education in the Curriculum. Published in The Language Learning Journal.
www.tandfonline.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
What effect do school policies have on uptake and achievement in languages at Key Stage 4?
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
If you are interested to learn more, read @karenforbes.bsky.social article as well as Zhu Hua, Elin Arfon and Ann-Marie Hunter’s article
www.tandfonline.com/journals/rll...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
This reflection on Prunella Scales has been put up by The Guardian, and her son, Samuel, reckons she'd have loved it. Definitely worth sharing here:
www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/o...
Prunella Scales was a queen of comedy with a passion for classical theatre
The actor best known as TV’s Sybil Fawlty dazzled over five decades on stage, in roles from from Shakespeare to Alan Bennett
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:41 AM
This reflection on Prunella Scales has been put up by The Guardian, and her son, Samuel, reckons she'd have loved it. Definitely worth sharing here:
www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/o...
Reposted by Emma Cayley 谷曦
On Monday 20th October, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages held a meeting reviewing recent reports and data on the challenges facing languages in the UK, from schools to universities and beyond.
October 22, 2025 at 7:42 AM
On Monday 20th October, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages held a meeting reviewing recent reports and data on the challenges facing languages in the UK, from schools to universities and beyond.