The most prominent linguistic practices (considering the geographical influences) around higher education in Newcastle is the presence and influence of the Geordie dialect (in the wider sense covering South Tyneside also). To those not from the North East, there are perhaps some iconic staples of the dialect that you might hear at university. The biggest linguistic titan is the disappearing /t/ sound - 'repopularised' by recently trending TikTok song 'Howdon Aldi Death Queue' - singer Sam Fender is a prime example of the disappearing /t/. Another pinnacle of the Geordie dialect is the inherent changes in their words. While every individual person has their own arsenal of words that they use, the North East alone rallies behind a communal set. Phrases and words such as "bairn", "I div'nt nah", and "mortal" function as universals to natives of the North East.
While the native influences at university are the most palpable and to be given the most credit, university is also rich in international culture and language influences. With Chinese Mandarin being the most spoken language in the world, multilingual presence is exposed to every student. From influences as small as the different spellings between 'colour' and 'color', the linguistic landscape at university grows each day. It is true that Newcastle University offers language learning courses, but the diverse linguistic impacts are much larger, greater, and influential than that of the classroom.
The student and staff experience alike (even if overlooked) is woven into the linguistic presence across campus. Beyond the campus, the language variety experienced will shape social experiences and promote cross-cultural collaboration.
