Tell us a bit about your new project...
The Linguist Magazine is for language learners and culture vultures who want to be kept up with world affairs, sport and style, foreign recipes, reviews of book and film and of-course essential year abroad tips. Best of all they’ll polish up their language skills without even realising!
What inspired you to set up The Linguist Magazine?
I had enjoyed beginning to write for Redbrick (the University paper) and thought to myself that it would be brilliant to do something similar but by encorporating my languages (French and German). I then realised that no such thing existed on campus so I decided to create my own. Once I asked a few people and put the idea around I discovered that this was a real missing link within the university and one which prompted much enthusiasm!
How did you put the team together?
Once I gathered initial interest on Facebook I met up with everyone and organised which areas they would be interested in writing for/contributing to. A team of the most enthusiastic and committed members soon developped and became our editors and committee members. We then finalised ideas for the form and content.
What has been the reaction from friends, other linguists, staff and contributors since you began work on the website and first issue?
As soon as the first issue went live on ISSUU we have had swarms of praise and positive feedback. The editors and writers are proud of being acknowledged and published and our design team could not be more satisfied! We look forward to the printed version which is to come out within the next week on campus.
What were the best and worst bits of getting the first issue out?
The best part of the first issue's creation was the momentum it quickly gained as the articles kept rolling in. We had a tough task to actually choose which ones to leave out which wouldn't fit in! Apart from a few technical hitches as we grappled with the software, our design team did us proud!
And finally, what do you want The Linguist Magazine to achieve?
Given it's uniqueness and the support it's gained so far I want The Linguist to become a renowned part of the University of Birmingham which will grow over the years and continue to showcase the talents of our students. Essentially we need to get people talking and spread the excitement about Modern Languages!
Here is a sneak preview before The Linguist Magazine comes out in print...
