10 Years BAIML

by Gillian Pye

In 2007 I was approached by Jean-Michel Picard, Head of what was then the School of Languages, Cultures and Literatures, who asked me to explore the possibility of starting a new “three language degree”, a programme which would be the first of its kind in Ireland. As a graduate of the BA Modern Languages programme at Sheffield University, in its day a pioneering programme in the UK, I was very enthusiastic about working with students with a passion for modern foreign languages.

Over the next two years the programme took shape: ideally placed in a School whose staff are all multilingual, this programme was to cater for students who love to communicate, to experiment with language and ideas, to explore other cultures and time periods and to reflect on the complexity of human identities. All the students would have the opportunity to study at least 2, but more often 3, languages and all would be encouraged to explore the connections and divergences between the cultures they had chosen to study by taking part in cross-subject modules. The first of these, Crossing Cultures, took the class on an adventure through space and time, starting with medieval pilgrimage, segueing into Argentine tango and finishing with twentieth century migration to France!

2009 saw the first intake of students: their linguistic diversity, their passion for learning and willingness to experiment mirrored our own and they were especially tolerant of teething troubles with registration, which had to be done manually by our hardy administrator Bronwyn Salmon! Although I was Programme Director over the first few years, it soon became clear that a ‘double act’ was needed and, over the ensuing decade, a succession of Co-Director teams has steered the ship: Alison Menezes was followed by Sabine Krobb, who has continued since then to work alongside Derval Conroy, Selena Daly and Paolo Acquaviva. 

Each year since 2011 students have been setting out on the adventure that is the Modern Languages year abroad. The challenge of spending two semesters at a host university whilst continuing to learn their other language in a new environment is one that most have relished. It is always a joy to see them return with vocabularies – and comfort zones - well and truly expanded, authentic accents enhanced and confidence boosted. It was a proud day in 2013 when the first group graduated and we waved them off on the next stage of their journey. They, and the several hundred who have followed them since, have travelled all over the globe, picking up new languages, skills, and friends, as they go. Curious about and engaged with the world, they have become translators and teachers, managers, innovators and much more. We are always happy when they pop back to visit us, or send us news of their latest endeavours. 

In 2019, against the background of an increasingly polarised political context and a challenging global environment, effective communication, understanding and co-operation across languages and cultures are more important then ever. On the tenth anniversary of the International Modern Languages degree at UCD, may I take the opportunity to express our pride in our students, our hope for their bright futures and our faith in them to continue contributing to understanding and friendship across cultures.