Linguistics and Language Society - the University of Auckland

Tonight (31st May 2026) is the second full moon in May, making it a Blue Moon.

It is not yet known exactly why the second full moon of the month is called a Blue Moon. Some sources even said that the phrase "once in a blue moon” came from this definition, but this is widely considered to be misinformed.

It is possible that the phrase refers to an actual visually blue moon, which is only possible in very rare atmospheric conditions, like during volcano eruptions or big wildfires.

Are you interested in languages?

Do you know much about linguistics?

If so, come to our Language Escape Room event and lend us your knowledge to help us solve the riddles and escape the room. Or else we'll be trapped here forever 😭

Date: Wednesday 20th May
Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: 114 - G18 (Building Commerce A)

See you there 👋
Sign up form: https://myuniclub.com/event/signup/sgu7311qfoqeuhnb1gjf_40r43fitvq

Thank you all for coming to our event 💕 Arigatou gozaimash*ta!

Link to the slides has been added to our linktree 💕

[UPDATE] NEW DATE AND LOCATION FOR OUR LANGUAGE CRASH COURSE

Konnichiwa! 👋 Your Japanese journey starts here

Dreaming of ordering ramen in Tokyo? Reading manga in its original form? Actually understanding anime without subtitles?

Come to our language crash course for a quick introduction to one of the most popular languages in the world!

Date: Wednesday, 13 May
Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: 114 - G18 (Building Commerce A)

Konnichiwa! 👋 Your Japanese journey starts here

Dreaming of ordering ramen in Tokyo? Reading manga in its original form? Actually understanding anime without subtitles?

Come to our language crash course for a quick introduction to one of the most popular languages in the world!

Date: Wednesday, 29 April
Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: 114 - G13 (Building Commerce A)

Learning a new language and need some practice? Come along to learn about the club and socialize with other language speakers!
(Pizza provided 🍕)

Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: 114 - G13 (Building Commerce A)

[IDIOMS AROUND THE WORLD]

🇬🇷 Βρέχει καρεκλοπόδαρα(Vréchei kareklopódara)

A Greek idiom that roughly translates into “it is raining chair legs”.When it is raining heavily, the raindrops look like thin streaks fallingfrom the sky, like the legs of the chair.

What are other idioms from other languages that you knowthat describe heavy rain? Tell us in the comments!