A silent revolution may be brewing in the linguistic and cultural landscape of Nigeria, if goings-on at the Polyglot Nights are anything to go by.
The La Taverna restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos was the vibrant setting for the latest edition of the Polyglot Nights on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
This innovative event was conceived by the trio of Belén Calvo Hereza, a Spanish lecturer at the University of Lagos and two other Spanish teachers at the Lycée Français Louis Pasteur, Dennys Paola Hernández González and Jérémy Delespaut.
The Polyglot Nights aims to create a community where Spanish and French Language enthusiasts can meet, greet, and practise their skills in a relaxed, conversational atmosphere.
The event has quickly gained popularity among students from various departments at the University of Lagos, attracted by the opportunity to immerse themselves in a cultural melting pot.
“The Polyglots Nights is a platform for language learners to connect, converse, and expand their linguistic horizons,” said Belén.
“My goal is for this event to outlive my two-year stay in Nigeria and to continue fostering cross-cultural understanding and language proficiency among an increasing number of participants”.
Participants were treated to a lively evening of language exchange, with Belén facilitating the flow of conversations and providing logistical support to ensure smooth transportation for the attendees.
Taiwo Precious, a first-year European Languages and Integration Studies student, shared her enthusiasm: “My experience was quite exciting and fun. Meeting Spanish speakers was delightful, and the warm atmosphere made me feel welcomed. The meal was enjoyable, too; I really enjoyed it.”
Adegbe Mercy, a first-year Arts Education (French) student, echoed similar sentiments: “Attending the Polyglot Nights has instilled in me a passion to intensify my efforts in mastering languages, especially my major. It has fuelled a desire to acquire more language skills. I eagerly await the next incredible and fun-filled Polyglot Night.”
For Priceless Onyegbuna, also a first-year student of French at the University of Lagos, the experience was simply magical. She said: “My first experience at the Polyglot Nights event was magic! For me, the most important part of it was getting to meet a new set of people who are connected by foreign languages. Everyone is very welcoming, willing to teach and willing to learn. It’s a great platform to network and practice in order to get better.”
As Belén continues her mission to establish the Spanish degree programme at UNILAG, which would be the first of its kind in any Nigerian university, the Polyglot Nights promises to serve as a vibrant hub for language enthusiasts, fostering cultural exchange and linguistic growth in the heart of Lagos.
Below are a few pictures of participants of different editions of the Polyglot Nights.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
