Special Award for outstanding contribution to the field of languages
Professor David Crystal HonFCIL, a vice-president of CIOL (pictured on the right), is known throughout the world as a linguist, academic, author and broadcaster on languages. He donated an award to CIOL which is given annually in his name.
The winner of the award is an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of languages throughout their life and career. They may not be a linguist themselves, but languages will have been a constant within their work and life and they will have used their knowledge to help or inspire others.
Please note winners are selected by the CIOL Awards Committee, and there is no public nomination process for this for this award.
Current holder and previous winners
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2023 winner: Chris DennisThe multilingual sports correspondent Chris Dennis received the David Crystal Award, presented to an individual for whom languages have been part of their work and life and who uses their knowledge to inspire others to learn languages. Chris is a regular on TV and radio reporting on sporting events. He broadcasts in French, and speaks Spanish and Mandarin among other languages. He frequently visits schools where he encourages young sports enthusiasts to consider adding a language to their GCSE and A-level choices. |
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2021-22 winner: Rt Rev Bishop Nick Baines, Bishop of LeedsBishop Nick Baines was chosen for the award as he is an outstanding champion for the importance of languages and cultures and for his willingness to speak out for languages at national level both in the media and in the House of Lords. A graduate in French and German with excellent Russian, Nick worked at GCHQ before becoming a priest. |
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2020 winner: Bridget Kendall MBEBridget Kendall MBE was chosen for the award for the contribution she has made to international understanding as a direct result of the application of language skills, particularly during her work as BBC Moscow correspondent during the period leading up to and following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In addition, she is actively engaged in events to promote language learning and the opportunities afforded. CIOL CEO John Worne interviewed Bridget – you can view the video here. |
Previous David Crystal Award winners
Special Award for outstanding contribution to the field of languages
Several years ago, IoL Educational Trust was receiving a continually strong set of nominations year after year. In recognition of this, it was decided that an additional trophy should be presented and this was kindly donated by Professor David Crystal, a Vice-President of the Institute. In 2016 the trophy was relaunched to recognise a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of languages throughout their life and career.
Current holder and past winners
2022-23: Chris Dennis
2021-22: Rev Nick Baines
2020: Bridget Kendall MBE
2019: Renée Van Hoof-Haferkamp
2018: Frank Gardner OBE
2017: Susie Dent
2016: Dr Lid King
2015: (not awarded)
2014: Shpresa Programme/Luljeti Nuzi
2013: Rosie Goldsmith, Journalist & Chair, European Literature Night
2012: Svetlana Carsten
2011: Prof Dr Erik Hertog
2010: Paul Hughes
