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13/10/2005
Seminar develops languages strategy for NI
The development of a languages strategy for Northern Ireland was the focus of a seminar at Queen's University on Wednesday.
The joint University of Ulster and Queen's University initiative aimed to focus on the strategic role of languages and on the need to develop a fully-developed languages strategy for Northern Ireland which will take account of various aspects of the local situation – economic, social and educational.
During the launch Professor Michael Kelly, Director of the Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Areas Studies, launched the Northern Ireland Subject Centre - a cross-institutional body which will initially be based at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus and led by Professor John Gillespie. After two years the Centre will move to Queen's and continue thereafter on a rotating basis.
Professor Gerry McCormac, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Community and Communications at Queen's, said the development of a languages policy for Northern Ireland was timely.
"Our offshore attitude has been exacerbated here by problems from which we are now steadily emerging," he said. "As we engage with each other we are also inevitably engaging with other cultures and as we engage with the outside world, either in commerce or tourism or cultural activity, it is clear that we are sadly lacking in foreign language competence."
Among those attending today's launch included academics, language teachers and representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment and the Education and Library Boards.
(MB)
The joint University of Ulster and Queen's University initiative aimed to focus on the strategic role of languages and on the need to develop a fully-developed languages strategy for Northern Ireland which will take account of various aspects of the local situation – economic, social and educational.
During the launch Professor Michael Kelly, Director of the Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Areas Studies, launched the Northern Ireland Subject Centre - a cross-institutional body which will initially be based at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus and led by Professor John Gillespie. After two years the Centre will move to Queen's and continue thereafter on a rotating basis.
Professor Gerry McCormac, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Community and Communications at Queen's, said the development of a languages policy for Northern Ireland was timely.
"Our offshore attitude has been exacerbated here by problems from which we are now steadily emerging," he said. "As we engage with each other we are also inevitably engaging with other cultures and as we engage with the outside world, either in commerce or tourism or cultural activity, it is clear that we are sadly lacking in foreign language competence."
Among those attending today's launch included academics, language teachers and representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment and the Education and Library Boards.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
