Heritage Language Blog ~ by HL Global Think Tank and FOHLC Europe

In an increasingly diverse world, the ability to honour and celebrate linguistic variety has never been more important. That’s precisely the aim of Traditional Tales, Untraditionally Told   — a project I lead at the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with the Maker{Futures} team. This project invites schools and libraries to reimagine storytelling through the lens of multilingualism and creative, maker-centred engagement, and holds exciting opportunities for heritage language education. A fresh take on storytelling: Language meets making At the heart of Traditional Tales, Untraditionally Told is the belief that storytelling doesn't need to be confined to a single language or traditional format, and that children should be encouraged to bring their home/heritage languages into public spaces. The project brings multilingual families into libraries and schools, empowering them to tell stories using all their languages  — t hrough playful, hands-on making and digital, sto...

On 22nd of March, we proudly opened the doors of Casa do Livro , the first Brazilian community library in London. This milestone marks the realization of a vision that began eight years ago when there was a large book donation made to the late institution, Casa do Brasil. From that moment, the desire to create a dedicated space where Brazilian immigrants and their families could access Portuguese-language books, celebrate their cultural heritage, and foster a sense of belonging began.  Thanks to a renewed partnership with the Wisehands Foundation , that dream is now a reality. Located in the heart of Brent, London , Casa do Livro stands as a hub for learning, connection, and cultural preservation. This space is more than a library—it is a home for our stories, our language, and our collective identity. A mission rooted in access and inclusion Casa do Livro is committed to making Portuguese-language literature, Brazilian culture, and language education accessible to the community. O...