LINGUIST List 8.830

Tue Jun 3 1997

FYI: Ling and lit, Language Australia

Editor for this issue: Ann Dizdar <annlinguistlist.org>

Directory

  • UnPrSouth, linguistics and literature
  • Joseph Lo Bianco, Rebuilding of Language Australia

    Message 1: linguistics and literature

     Date: Sat, 31 May 1997 08:29:18 -0400 (EDT)
    From: UnPrSouth <UnPrSouthaol.com>
    Subject: linguistics and literature


    Dear colleagues,

    As General Editor at University Press of the South, Inc., I would like to invite you to visit frequently our Web Page at: http://www.unprsouth.com/unprsouth.html We are considering manuscripts for possible publication in every areas of linguistics, language, and literature. Take advantage also of our 25% rebate from May 20 to September 1 on all our academic books if you order directly through us.

    I look forward to hearing from you, Cordially, Dr. Alain Saint-Saens General Editor University Press of the South, Inc.

    Message 2: Rebuilding of Language Australia

     Date: Sat, 31 May 1997 09:48:12 +1000
    From: Joseph Lo Bianco <joelnllia.gov.au>
    Subject: Rebuilding of Language Australia


    Dear colleagues,

    I am writing to let you know that the rebuilding of Language Australia is in train. As you all know the Board of Directors of the Institute has taken a decision to close the National Office. In this way the Company can absorb the recent funding cuts entirely within administration and management, ie not cut research, professional development or any 'field' activity in any way.

    Unfortunately, this necessitates some redundancies and quite a lot of upheaval. Also it can only be done once. If the second planned cut to our funding goes ahead in 1998-99 and we have not secured alternative funding then it may be curtains all round. But these are next year's battles.

    For now, we must, rebuild, refocus and revitalise the organisation. All this has started. I am quite optimistic, and determined, that we will succeed. I am writing to tell you this because I have heard it said around the traps that "LA is gone" etc. Nothing could be further from the truth! Language Australia will be a landmark on the landscape for a long time yet!

    1) On 2-4 July we are holding a strategic planning forum to refocus our work and restructure the company in ways that can accommodate a reduced management/administration system and maintain our core functions of research, research coordination, applied linguistic policy advice, professional development, connecting researchers and teachers and communities.

    If ever there was a time in Australian history for language and education policies to be based on knowledge, some reflection and a commitment to pluralism it is now. The 'restrictionist' movement which is alive and well in other English speaking countries is in full force here: One language and all that.

    2) I am preparing a new corporate plan along these lines, the mission of fostering an articulate, literate, multilingual/cultural nation, and connecting local diversity to globalisation is central to our reason for exisiting. Making Australian pluralism a resource in our national planning is our job. The new mission will not change any of this. The other rumour I have heard, that there is a 'takeover' of the Organisation by "bureaucracy" is also wrong.

    3) We have an extremely good chance of being supported in an increased research budget through the Commonwealth

    4) We have a determined and supportive Board with business and State representatives willing to offer advice and assistance

    5) We have an unrivalled network of researchers, teachers and departmental officials, as well as very strong community links and contacts.

    6) The 1998 workplan will proceed exactly as planned. This is a vast program of research and pd which all parts of the education and non-education system in Australia have contributed to shaping. The collective processes of forming the workplan give us political strength.

    7) We are proceeding with plans to hold Language Expo in Melbourne in early 1999. We have secured sponsorship for this and there is the same level of interest and excitement around the concept as there has been in the past.

    8) We are negotiating with several institutions and agencies for a 'hosting' arrangement for the much reduced National Office. Clearly major changes will have to happen, but the identity and autonomy of operation of the Institute will remain.

    9) We will submit a major proposal to State and Territory governments that they take equity in the Company. This will happen later this year.

    10) On 20-21 June in Melbourne we have a seminar/conference celebrating the last 10 years of Australian language policy achievement and planning the next ten.

    The National Languages and Literacy Institute; Australia's main language research and planning agency, is alive and well and preparing to kick again. Joe Joseph Lo Bianco

    Chief Executive Language Australia: The National Languages and Literacy Institute of Australia Professorial Fellow, Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong

    PO Box 31 BELCONNEN ACT AUSTRALIA 2616 Tel: (61) 6 253 4622 Fax: (61) 6 253 4626 email: joelnllia.gov.au