Jennifer Thomas
In today’s globalized society, languages are disappearing. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) anticipates that more than 50 per cent of the approximately 7,000 languages spoken in the world are likely to die out within a few generations — and with them, many rich and unique cultures and traditions.
The declaration of 2008 as the International Year of Languages by the United Nations General Assembly will not only increase awareness of language issues, but also will mobilize partners and resources to support the implementation of strategies and policies in favour of language diversity and multilingualism in all parts of the world.
The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Arts is celebrating the International Year of Languages by inviting members of the University and the local community to participate in the many activities it has organized through to December 12.
The faculty hopes its programming will heighten the University’s awareness of how important language is as a communication tool and how we must respect, promote and protect all languages.
In addition to conferences, lectures, workshops, a book launch and a cinema series offering movies in six different languages, highlights include the performance of an Egyptian play in both English and Arabic (organized in collaboration with the Egyptian Embassy) and the public reading of poetry by Nicole Brossard, writer-in-residence at the Département de français.
It is not surprising that the Faculty of Arts would develop an impressive list of activities in support of the International Year of Languages, says Geneviève Mareschal, Vice-Dean Academic. “Its primary spheres of study and research include language, translation, linguistics and second language teaching. Furthermore, its researchers are delving into areas of examination such as literature and identity, linguistic and cultural conservation, and bilingualism and official languages.”
George Lang, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, says, “At the University of Ottawa the first thought which comes to mind is our bilingualism, but the emphasis of the UN resolution goes much farther. It urges upon us an ecological concern for world languages that are destined to disappear in the next century if things don't change.
“This resolution also reminds us that the vast majority of world citizens are multilingual,” Lang continues, “usually speaking more than even two languages. The more languages you have even smatterings of — the more in which you can be polite — the better for the world as a whole.”
For more detailed information on activities celebrating the International Year of Languages at the Faculty of Arts, visit www.arts.uOttawa.ca/languages2008/.
