Three LocalLing colleagues recently completed a secondment at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece: Prof. Gratien Atindogbé and Dr. Michael E. Apuge from the University of Buea, Cameroon, and Dr. Messan Tossa from the National Archives of Togo.

During their stay, they took part in research meetings and collaborative working sessions with Achilleas Kostoulas and colleagues at the Faculty of Education. Discussions explored approaches to documenting local linguistic practices, the role of language in shaping local identities, and ways to strengthen awareness of linguistic heritage through education.

The secondment also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences across different linguistic and cultural contexts, identify shared research challenges, and explore future collaboration. Ideas for joint publications, conference contributions, teaching resources, and community-oriented learning initiatives were among the topics discussed.

We warmly thank Achilleas Kostoulas and the entire University of Thessaly team for their hospitality and for fostering such a productive exchange. These encounters strengthen the LocalLing network and support our shared commitment to promoting local minority heritage languages through research, education, and international collaboration.