Here is a bit more about this conference, mentioned on this list on Dec 22 (message #454). It's way past the deadline for proposals, but participation may be possible; mainly I thought that the details of who's presenting what would be of interest... DZO
Linguistic Diversity in Africa http://www.mkuked.co.uk/ Conference Centre, ULU (University of London Union), Malet Street, London Saturday 4th March and Sunday 5th March 2006 Keynote speakers: *Professor Francis Owino Rew (Maseno University, Kenya): Linguistic Diversity of East Africa and the Current State of Play *Juliet Thondhlana (University of Zimbabwe, Harare): The State of Linguistic Diversity in Zimbabwe *Myles Holloway (UNISA, University of South Africa): Multilingual? Multicultural? English and the other 10 Languages of South Africa *Dr Peter Kurgat (United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya): Languages and Dialects of Kenya: the Current Status Quo and Prognoses for the Future [subject to confirmation*] *Blandina Makina (UNISA, University of South Africa) Accommodating Language Diversity: Learner-scaffolding in ESL and EFL in Southern Africa Honorary guest: Biyi Bandele (Nigerian playwright, screenwriter, novelist) interviewed `live' by Mark Krzanowski In addition to the talks delivered by keynote speakers, there will be around 16 conference papers presented by ELT, applied linguistics, education and African studies specialists based in the UK, EU, Africa and elsewhere. The aim of the Conference is to raise awareness of the current situation vis-a-vis linguistic diversity in Africa, examine the threat to the existence of some African languages and dialects, and find ways of preserving Africa's rich linguistic heritage. The specific objectives of the conference are: a) to review the state of linguistic diversity in Africa by focusing on particular countries (e.g. Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa) b) to establish how British and European scholars can contribute to the work to this effect currently conducted by African academics c) to identify what human and materials resources are needed to assist African scholars d) to agree a formal and informal course of action that BAAL and UK and EU academic language-focused organisations should take e) to disseminate the results of the ongoing research into African linguistic diversity conducted by the scholars based in the UK and in Africa f) to provide a forum that will serve as a catalyst via which relevant academics will forge closer links with a view to future academic research collaborations (in the UK, and Africa and jointly in both the UK and Africa). This Conference may be seen as a very important step towards raising not only the importance of research into Language in Africa in the UK, but also raising the profile of African linguistics and language teaching in African universities. Given the traditional under-funding of African universities, this Conference is an excellent opportunity to do something pro-active, as a post-G-8 meeting, to show and prove that we care. While the event is another conference organised by the LiA SIG at BAAL, and will be attended by regular BAAL members, the call for conference papers is simultaneously issued across British and African universities as well as in academic institutions in other countries and on other continents. Academics involved in the work of similar organizations, e.g. BALEAP, IATEFL ESP, AAU, HEA (UK), AIU and ACU are strongly encouraged to submit a paper proposal or attend the Conference. Expression of interest Academics interested in presenting a paper are requested to send in an expression of interest message to Mark Krzanowski ideally by 5th January 2006. Conference proposals Prospective speakers are asked to send in their proposals by 12 January 2006. The decision whether a paper has been selected will be communicated to the academic by/on 19 January 2006. Prospective speakers are asked to provide a title of the talk (normally related to the theme of the Conference), a 50-word Abstract and a 250-word Summary. Other relevant information Regular updates and further information about the details of the Conference will be made available on the internet as of 20 December on: http://www.mkuked.co.uk At this stage it is anticipated that the registration fee for the Conference will be £95 for two days (including snacks/refreshments and meals, but excluding accommodation). Conference participants are advised to make their own arrangements for accommodation: a list of suggested affordable hotels will be provided as of 9 January 2006. Specific questions The colleagues who wish to make more detailed enquiries about certain aspects of the Conference are asked to write to Mark Krzanowski by e-mail. On behalf of all our colleagues in BAAL, and all the invited keynote speakers, we wish to thank the British Academy for sponsoring our event: without their assistance the presence of our distinguished scholars from Africa would have been very difficult, if not impossible. Mark Krzanowski (e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 07939 373 525) Conference Organiser Friday, December 16, 2005 Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
