Why learning a new language should be your New Year's resolution

Dr Ruth Arber and Dr Michiko Weinmann of Deakin University's Centre for Teaching and Learning Languages argue that learning a new language should be top of your list. 

Here are their top five reasons why learning a new language should be on your to-do list in 2016.

1. For each new language you learn, you'll stave off dementia for about five years
2. You'll recover from a stroke much more quickly
3. You'll become a better multi-tasker and boost your memory and attention span
4. You'll become more employable
5. You'll become a better traveller

To read more CLICK HERE

For ideas about where you can add to your language repertoire in the Canberra Region for adults CLICK HERE and for children HERE

Help Save S4C - the ONLY Welsh language TV channel in existence

This may be of interest for anyone with a connection to, or interest in Wales and the Welsh language, or involved in promoting or maintaining minority languages.

Funding for S4C, the ONLY Welsh language TV channel in existence is under threat. S4C not only produces top quality TV programs but many are available internationally and are a great resource for learning and maintaining Welsh language skills (see http://www.s4c.cymru/clic/e_category.shtml?id=99). However, overseas viewers are apparently not counted when the viewing figures for S4C are tallied up.

Henddraig has created an online petition for S4C viewers across the world to express their support for the channel and asking that current funding levels be maintained. You can Sign the Petition by clicking on that link.

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update December 2015

An update about language-related activities and issues. Please feel free to pass on to colleagues and friends who may be interested.  

• University Languages Portal Australia: which languages are available at which Australian universities, why learn languages, which unis give a language bonus and more.
• Canberra languages teacher wins national award
• Upcoming events at the ANU at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language
• News of cuts in staff and language courses at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
• Australian curriculum languages: curricula for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Spanish, Vietnamese now endorsed and available
• Google+ Community OzLangED : a new resource site for language teachers
• Publicise languages at the multicultural festival in February 2016
• Calling rappers and slam poets in various languages
• ACT Mandarin Blueprint to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture in ACT schools officially released.
• New Japanese book club for kids
• Alliance Française Canberra: French courses for all ages, cultural and events program, library and other services.
• Learn Mandarin over summer in Tasmania
• Articles that may be of Interest:

• Myth: young people have abandoned language learning: Fact: applications to language degrees have plummeted – but students are finding novel ways to learn
• Speaking two languages can double hopes of stroke recovery
• Indonesian language study headed for extinction at Australian Universities
• Aboriginal languages will become a new HSC subject from 2016

For more details see http://actbilingual.weebly.com/uploads/4/4/9/1/4491774/languages_forum_update_december_2015.pdf