The Director General of Culture, Anxo M. Lorenzo, has introduced the programme for the 'Month of Science in Galician', a new initiative that encompasses over 40 activities in libraries managed by the Xunta during November. Lorenzo emphasised that the programme "reinforces our commitment to the language and cultural dynamism, as it enhances the prestige of the language while promoting activity in library spaces".
This initiative, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Universities and Vocational Training, aims to develop actions that promote the Galician language outside of the classroom, in line with the new General Normalisation Plan approved by the Galician Parliament, which has garnered support from most political groups represented in the chamber. The first 50 measures of this plan are already underway.
Lorenzo explained that through workshops, storytelling sessions, experimental activities, exhibitions, and talks, the programme aims to "bring scientific and technological knowledge to all audiences while promoting the heritage transmission of the language". He added that the goal is to "spark curiosity in these disciplines as well as critical thinking".
The importance of cultural facilities as "spaces for meeting, participation, training, and access to knowledge" was also highlighted, contributing to the reinforcement of the language's presence in research, innovation, and scientific dissemination.
The programme will take place not only in the physical libraries managed by the regional government but also through the mobile service La Furgoteca, which reaches 30 municipalities in the interior of Lugo and Ourense. Additionally, school libraries, which are another fundamental pillar of this initiative, will collaborate with educational centres, scientific institutions, and cultural entities.
The diverse offerings aim to cater to various interests, introducing participants to scientific culture in Galician. This year’s programme includes contributions from the Spanish National Research Council and a manifesto by Jesús Sánchez García, a professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, specialising in architecture and urbanism from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
In Santiago de Compostela, the Biblioteca de Galicia will host a theatre performance titled H2...Oh! on 7 November, followed by the workshop Misión CSIC: el secreto de las Islas Cíes on 14 November, and the play Curie o la simetría de los fenómenos físicos on 28 November. The Biblioteca Ánxel Casal will offer the workshop La magia de la ciencia! on 3 November, the show Inventoras con mentes curiosas on 14 November, and a children's astronomy workshop on 16 November, among other activities.
In A Coruña, the Biblioteca Pública Miguel Ángel Garcés will conduct various workshops throughout the month, including Aves de ciudad on 13, 20, and 27 November, and Arqueología experimental on 21 November. The Biblioteca Pública de Lugo has planned a workshop titled Biotecnólogos resuelven un crimen en la biblioteca on 4 November, with additional activities scheduled for the following weeks.
In Ourense, the Biblioteca Nosotros will host discussions and storytelling sessions aimed at young scientists, while in Pontevedra, the Biblioteca Antonio Odriozola will offer workshops such as Experiencias científicas and Robótica creativa throughout the month.
Overall, the 'Month of Science in Galician' promises a rich array of activities designed to engage the public in scientific exploration while promoting the use of the Galician language.
