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We live in a society which is linguistically diverse yet tends to regard itself as monolingual.
Across Europe there is increasing mobility for both work and leisure, yet in the UK decreasing numbers of our teenagers continue with another language post 16.
Our communities are becoming more multicultural and more cosmopolitan, yet all too often we see this as evidence that the whole world speaks English.
This conference is being organised as the centrepiece of the European Year of Languages in the UK. It will see the launch of proposals for a national languages policy, based on the work of the Nuffield Inquiry and located within a European and global context.
It will also be a celebration of multilingualism and the linguistic achievements of children and young people from different communities.
The aim of the conference is:
As the central event of the European Year of Languages in the UK, the conference is designed to be of major popular, political and educational significance. A key audience will be the many individuals and organisations who have already expressed interest in the European Year of Languages and in the work of the Nuffield Inquiry. However it is intended that the event should continue the work of the Nuffield Inquiry and the European Year of Languages in attracting an ever-wider audience from politics, the media, educational and training organisations, as well as cultural and community groups.
9.00
9.30
Session 1: Languages for life
A range of people from all walks of life and different cultural and ethnic backgrounds will talk about what languages mean to them. These include:
11.00
11.30
We look at how multilingual communities at home and abroad are responding to the needs and aspirations expressed. There will be presentations from:
In addition we hope to have a speaker from an Eastern European country on how they are responding to their own linguistic challenges.
13.00
14.00
Presentation and discussion of a Framework Document for a National Languages Policy:
Commentary by members of the reference group from the UK and abroad, including Professor Joseph Lo Bianco, Chief Executive of Language Australia
15.15
15.45
Panel discussion presenting visions of the future from different perspectives, chaired by Tony Male, the government’s National Executive Adviser for Languages
16.45
17.00
The cost of attending the conference will be £75 (£50 for organisations which are registered partners in the European Year of Languages) to include lunch and refreshments, and full conference documentation. As numbers are strictly limited, you are advised to reserve your place as soon as possible.
A conference brochure and application form is available on-line at: http://www.eyl2001.org.uk/bulletin/birmingham.htm
To receive a copy of the conference brochure and application form by post call CILT Conferences and Events on: 00 44 (0)20 7379 5101 ext. 229
Overnight accommodation can be booked for you by the Birmingham Convention and Visitor Bureau. For details of this free hotel reservation service, please contact CILT Conferences and Events, as above. |
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Last updated on 22nd August 2001 |
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