Some classes stay with you long after the lesson ends. Today was definitely one of them. ❤️A heartfelt thanks to #GoranVojnović for graciously accepting my invitation at the Writers festival in London and spending today’s leason with the UCLSSEES Lower Intermediate group.Together, we explored questions that don’t have simple answers: identity, belonging, language especially slang…
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My presentations for the #BritishCouncil went wonderfully! I had the pleasure of introducing two fascinating languages and cultures Macedonian and Slovene, and, as always, the language came with stories, history, and a few moments where you have to carefully choose your words. Let’s start with Macedonian. The country’s official name is North Macedonia, but the…
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What happens when language becomes more than a way of communicating, when it shapes identity, belonging, and even exclusion? At #British Library we explored the rich linguistic landscape of the Balkan diaspora, asking how languages that are often considered “non-standard” or marginalised influence the ways people experience identity, difference, and discrimination. The discussion challenged ethnonationalist…
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A heartfelt thank you to the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia, Dr Vesna Janevska, for the kind words and recognition during her visit to the Macedonian Embassy in London. It was an honour to meet while she was attending the World Education Forum and to talk about the teaching…
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A little piece of spring has blossomed in the #UCLSSEES Library. 🌸 Our small exhibition celebrates one of the Balkans’ most joyful shared traditions, the welcoming of spring with red and white thread ornaments known by many names across the region. This year, I’m especially happy that it also features the Macedonian мартинка (martinka). ❤️…
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I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Milan Šelj to #UCLSSEES to meet my wonderful Lower Intermediate Slovene group. Milan shared poems from his collection Rime na veter, transporting us to the rugged beauty of the Karst. Suddenly, birds found their rhythm, stones had stories to tell, and the Karst landscape came alive through poetry.…
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What do you call the dish on your plate? The answer might reveal much more than just a recipe, it can tell a story about empire, migration, language, and identity. At #UCL_SSEES we explored the fascinating world of Balkan food vocabulary with Irina Janakievska and Irina Georgescu, award-winning food writers and authors exploring Balkan cuisines.…
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Today at UCLSSEES I explored the very #Balkan relationship with the broom, the rolling pin, and of course #Баба Рога / Baba Yaga / Jaga baba This was not just a story about household objects or folklore characters, but about the deeper significance of material culture within Balkan communities, including those living in British diasporas.…
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European Day of Languages A reminder that every language is a bridge, connecting people, cultures, and ideas. Landed directly from 11 days of peaceful Iceland to this amazing buzzing event. ❤️ Proud to be part of it! P.S The kids were fantastic – not just because they called me ‘Miss,’ 😀 but for their brilliant…
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Over three years of dedicated volunteer work with Slovenian Philanthropy 624 volunteer morning coffee hours and counting. My Ukrainians aren’t just students – they’re second FAMILY. Love the work, love the people… but wow, the bureaucracy could win an Olympic medal in paperwork. 🙂
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