Did you know?
The five regions where languages are disappearing most rapidly are northern Australia, central South America, North America’s upper Pacific coastal zone, eastern Siberia, and Oklahoma and the southwestern United States. All have indigenous people speaking diverse languages, and their numbers are falling.
Notable quote
The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it. – Chinese Proverb
A laugh a day
Spotlight
The Victoria- China relationship: built on a thousand hands of friendship
Last week in Beijing Premier Daniel Andrews cemented Victoria's reputation as the Education State, reaching an historic agreement with China’s Ministry of Education to take the education relationship between our two jurisdictions to a whole new level.
Events
Mirror of the world: books and ideas
Discover stunning artwork alongside powerful words in this visual feast for book-lovers.
Recent acquisitions and new stories are featured each year in this special exhibition, revealing different aspects of the Library’s Rare Books collection, and showcasing rare and significant works that trace the history of book design from medieval manuscripts to comics.
From 7 October 2016, the exhibition features 281 new items on display, dating from 2050 BC to the present day.
Education Matters
Why learning Chinese should be compulsory in Australian schools
While we all wait with bated breath to see how Asia responds to the prospect of Donald Trump in the White House, some introspection about how well Australia is prepared to fully engage in the Asian Century would be prudent.
Language Matters
The beautiful languages of the people who talk like birds
Their unusual whistled speech may reveal what humanity’s first words sounded like.
If you are ever lucky enough to visit the foothills of the Himalayas, you may hear a remarkable duet ringing through the forest. To the untrained ear, it might sound like musicians warming up a strange instrument. In reality, the enchanting melody is the sound of two lovers talking in a secret, whistled language.
Project Extend is a new BEFA initiative aimed at giving interested students a genuine opportunity to learn a second language.
Project Extend 2017 - Term 1
End of Year Party 2016
