International language conference lands in Leeds

The Languages in the Globalised World event, held at the Gandhi Hall at our University's Headingley Campus, will provide a forum for teachers and researchers to exchange their findings, experiences and perspectives on teaching, learning and skills development in languages, whilst discussing the usefulness of multilingual ability and multiculturalism in a globalised world.

Organiser, Dr Theophile Munyangeyo, commented: "This is the first international conference on multilingualism that the School of Languages at Leeds Metropolitan has ever held. We look forward to welcoming delegates from all over the world, including very reputable languages services providers and publishers who will host stands. The conference will serve as a forum for discussion on how language teaching can be developed in the future, as the increasingly global nature of business and the competitive jobs market means that language skills can boost employability. At Leeds Met we are very keen to share and learn from expertise and best practice from across the world, exploring ways that we can continue to provide the life-long learning of languages."

The conference will bring together academics, teacher trainers, materials development experts and language in a multilingual setting, including guest speakers, Professor Angela Creese of the University of Birmingham, Professor Michael McCarthy of the University of Nottingham and Professor Myriam Salama-Carr of the University of Salford; a roundtable discussion and paper and poster presentations.

Abstracts of articles studying any language, spoken in any country in the world, including minority and endangered languages, are welcomed and should be submitted by email to LGW@leedsmet.ac.uk by Friday 1 June. For more information, please contact A.J.Batty@leedsmet.ac.uk.

The part-time Language Programme at our University is extremely popular, offering one of the largest and most diverse selections of language provision with over 2000 part-time mature students enrolling each year. A team of around 80 specialised academic members of staff are involved in the delivery of over 180 classes in 20 languages from beginners to degree level.