The Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies (ILCS) supports research in the integrated study of languages, cultures, and societies. Though its strengths reside primarily within the fields of French and Francophone, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American/Caribbean studies, it supports the transnational study of languages and cultures while seeking to advance connections with organisations that focus on cultural and linguistic experience in other global contexts. Its staff’s expertise bridges literary, historical, ethnographic, and digital research, with a particular emphasis on postcolonial and migration studies, and the environmental humanities. ILCS is an integral part of the School of Advanced Study which, through the collective work of its eight Institutes, promotes interdisciplinary research.

ILCS changed its name from the Institute of Modern Languages Research (IMLR) in October 2022. The IMLR was formerly known as the Institute of Germanic & Romance Studies (IGRS), which was established in 2005 with the merger of the Institute of Germanic Studies and the Institute of Romance Studies, founded in 1950 and 1989 respectively.

The Director of the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies is Professor Charles Burdett.

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