It has recently come to the attention of gair rhydd that some lectures and seminars in non-language based courses may be taught in languages other than English.
A postgraduate student in the School of Planning and Geography claims to have attended a seminar taught entirely in Mandarin, presumably because this was the first language of the majority of the students attending.
An Economics student also reports that she was questioned as to whether the lesson should be in Mandarin or English.
Professor Kul Luintel, Acting Head of the Economics Department, states, ÔÇ£To my knowledge, no formal Economics teaching on any degree programme offered by Cardiff Business School has been offered in any language other than English or WelshÔÇØ.
This suggests that such occurrences are not University procedure, yet a Cardiff University spokesperson says: ÔÇ£During informal sessions, run in small groups, a few staff in some schools may communicate with individuals or small groups in the studentsÔÇÖ first language if they feel it helps with their understanding of the subject during the early stages at UniversityÔÇØ.
However, an English Literature student at the University suggests: ÔÇ£British students should be able to apply to University without concern that they will be taught in a language they do not understandÔÇØ.
Regardless of this debate, Professor Luintel clearly states that teaching is carried out in English or Welsh, adding ÔÇ£the School will take immediate action if it is presented with any evidence to the contrary, as this would be a clear breach of School policyÔÇØ.
Eliza Nicholas
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