The Wyke English Department proudly presented Susie Dent, from Channel 4’s Countdown Dictionary Corner, who talked to AS and A2 English Language students at the University of Hull’s Middleton Hall. Susie has also published a yearly Language Report, which charts effectively new vocabulary being used by everyday people, based upon her own research and that carried out by the Oxford English Dictionary.

Susie came to the University and provided a whirlwind of neologisms (new words) throughout the ages. She then went on to explain how language changes before exploring the use of standard and non-standard English within journalism, interacting very proactively with students. Students thoroughly enjoyed the event and learnt a lot about the history of the language and key linguistic developments, whilst experiencing teaching and learning within a university environment. It is hoped that Susie will return to Hull in the near future.

Should you like to know more about the study of language at Wyke, then please contact the A level English Language Course Leader, David Green, on David.Green@wyke.ac.uk.