Writes Adam Jones, Teacher of French and German
On Tuesday 24th February, around 30 pupils from the Thirds through to the Lower Sixth took part in the 2026 edition of the UK Linguistics Olympiad. Working in pairs or trios, the pupils tackled a variety of linguistic problem-solving challenges involving languages form around the globe.
From more recognisable, albeit oft understudied, European tongues such as Romanian and Finnish to languages such as Thaana and Warembori, the latter an indigenous Indonesian language whose native speakers number about only 600, the pupils spent the afternoon emerged in translation and grammatical questions, evidencing problem-solving skills and logical reasoning in equal measure.
The following were awarded a Bronze Award at Foundation Level: Aarav P. (U3rd), Devan P. (U3rd), Kiaan K. (4ths), Yaneth W. (4ths), Aditya I. (4ths), Avi A. (4ths), Chase L. (U3rd), Sebastian S. (4ths). In the Intermediate Level, Barnaby G-S. (L6th) and Leo F. (L6th) were awarded a Bronze Award. A special mention goes to Alexander B. (4ths), Matthew-Levi A. (4ths) and Evan K. (4ths) who all achieved a Gold Award in the Foundation Level.
