[RNLD] Melbourne Linguistics in the Pub - 20 March 2018

[Andrew Tanner]

*After a bit of a hiatus, Melbourne Linguistics in the Pub is finally
happening again, and soon: Tuesday, 20 March. The topic is "Language in the
Headlines". See below for more info. Everyone is welcome!*

*Language in the Headlines*

*Discussion led by*: Andrew Tanner and Ruth Singer

Issues around language and linguistics are frequently reported in the news
media, with varying degrees of rigour and accuracy. Journalists can seem
more interested in sensational headlines than science, and the experts they
call on for comment often have little or no background in linguistics.
Sometimes, however, it is the linguists themselves, or the institutions
that employ them, that are apparently responsible for some questionable
claims in the media.

Recent examples of some sensationalised reporting on language in the media
include:

   -

   The 'discovery' of the 'new' language, Jedek(link is external)
   <https://www.sciencealert.com/new-language-found-aslian-malaysia-jedek-hunter-gatherers>
   -

   The talking orca(link is external)
   <http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-01/killer-whale-mimics-human-words/9382304>
   -

   The New York bar(link is external)
   <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5316235/New-York-dive-bar-bans-people-using-word-literally.html>
    that 'banned' customers from using the word 'literally'

What are the consequences of these reports? Do linguists have a
responsibility to 'educate' the public on linguistic issues? Are we having a
 crisis of expertise(link is external)
<https://government.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/events/expertiseconference2018>
 because expert opinions have no special status in a post-truth(link is
external) <https://posttruthinitiative.org/> era? Or should all views be
welcomed?

What are some examples of *responsible* reporting on language in the media?
Is it possible to ensure that linguistic issues are reported properly? And
how should linguists respond when things do go pear-shaped?



*Date*:      Tuesday, 20 March, 2018

*Time*:       6:00 - 8:00 pm

*Venue*:     Function room

              *Naughton’s Parkville Hotel*

*Address: *43 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052

*Phone:  * (03) 9347 2255

                http://parkvillehotel.com.au/(link is external)
<http://parkvillehotel.com.au/>  (menu available online)



LIP is an occasional gathering of language activists and linguists in
Melbourne and is coordinated by the MLIP committee: Ruth Singer, Rosey
Billington, Jill Vaughan (Melbourne Uni), Lauren Gawne, Mijke Mulder
(LaTrobe Uni), Jonathan Schlossberg (Monash Uni) and Andrew Tanner (RNLD).

Andrew Tanner
DRIL Trainer
Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity

My usual work days are Tuesday to Friday.

Ph (office): +61 (03) 9077-9500
Mob: 0476 265 885
Skype: RNLDorg

Street address:
Resource Network for Linguistic Diversity (RNLD)
Suite 3, Level 1, 19-21 Argyle Place South
Carlton, Victoria 3053

Postal Address:
Box 9, 19-21 Argyle Place South
Carlton, Victoria 3053

www.rnld.org
ABN 24 215 634 040


*RNLD proudly supports the Racism. It stops with me campaign*
itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au <http://t.co/xulmFjTlmt> @ItStopsWithMe
<https://twitter.com/ItStopsWithMe>

I pay my respects and acknowledgments to all Traditional Custodians on
whose land I live, work and travel through, in Australia and overseas.

*Please think before you print.*
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