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 Case for Engagement with Asia
On 29 September, 2017 in Sydney, Shadow Treasurer The Hon Chris Bowen MP delivered a major address to Asia Society Australia in which he made a comprehensive case for re-energising and upgrading Australia's engagement with Asia.
Events
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is a film-lover's paradise. Established in 1952, MIFF is one of the oldest film festivals in the world and the most significant screen event in Australia. An iconic Melbourne event, the festival takes place annually in the heart of the city, presenting an acclaimed screening program alongside industry and celebratory events.
Dates and times
02/08/2018 to 19/08/2018
Education Matters
Why students are turning away from learning foreign languages
Foreign language learning in Australia is in serious decline, as we are well into the second decade of the so-called Asian Century.
About 40 per cent of students studied a foreign language in the 1960s. That number is now closer to 10 per cent, including students who are native speakers of a language other than English.
Language Matters
Multilingual learners doing better in US schools than previously thought
Between 2003 to 2015, multilingual students showed two to three times more progress in reading and math than students who speak English only. With this progress, the achievement gaps between multilingual students and their peers have narrowed substantially.
Project Extend is a new BEFA initiative aimed at giving interested students a genuine opportunity to learn a second language.
Project Extend 2017 - Term 4
Project Extend 2017 - Term 3
