¡Bienvenido! University hires its first academic for Spanish

Monday, 23 June 2014

Dr Par Kumaraswami

The University's status as a leading centre of study for languages has been bolstered with the appointment of its first Associate Professor for Spanish Studies.

Dr Par Kumaraswami, who joins Reading in September from the University of Manchester, will help the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies to deliver a new range of joint honours courses from 2015 with Spanish as a principal element for the first time - such as BA French and Spanish and BA Spanish and History.

Dr Kumaraswami said the aim was to make Spanish at the University of Reading reflect the diversity of the Hispanic world.

She said: "While some people assume that language learning is a purely functional skill which enables individuals to ‘cope' in foreign language contexts, my experience has taught me that learning a language - and learning about culture and history in that language - can enrich us in many ways. This has certainly been true in my own process of becoming a specialist of Cuba.

"The degree programme will explore the diverse cultures and societies that make up the Hispanic world, but it will also encourage students to develop vital problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to negotiate complex conversations and situations. I very much look forward to working with colleagues, students and the wider community in order to bring the Hispanic world to Reading."

Reading's commitment to broadening the scope of its language studies shows the University's increasingly international perspective, with the offer to all its undergraduate students to learn a foreign language as part of their course.

Dr Julia Waters, Head of the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies, said: "We are delighted to welcome Par to our lively, dynamic department. The introduction of Spanish complements and enhances the department's recognised strengths in French, German and Italian.

"The distinctly Latin American flavour of the new course reflects contemporary global realities - as do our existing, interdisciplinary research and teaching strengths in such areas as the language of migration, the discourse of war and conflict, minority rights and representation, francophone literature, and the place of Europe on the world stage."

Reading has continued to prosper in recent years despite a perceived trend away from language learning by UK students. The University's ‘year abroad' policy for all language students, the first of its kind at a British university when it was instigated more than 65 years ago and still going strong today, and excellent graduate employment record, have both helped Reading's languages courses to rise prominently in the national league tables in recent years. 

The University has also been recognised for its high 'value added' scores in the Guardian University Guide 2015, indicating the excellent progress that students make during their time at Reading, which reflects a well-staffed, close-knit community which is committed to getting the most from all students and an ideal environment for learning languages.