The Language Feed - November 26, 2004

[Harold F. Schiffman]

The Language Feed
November 26, 2004

This issue and archives can be read on the web at
http://mason.gmu.edu/~smorris2/feed
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Bollywood ban in language fight
BBC News, November 26
A burqa-clad mother queues up with her child outside a cinema in
southern India, looking forward to seeing her favourite Bollywood star,
Sharukh Khan, in the new Bollywood blockbuster, Veer-Zaara.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4046275.stm

Linguists get with the programming
Sydney Morning Herald, November 27
Swahili speakers wishing to use a kompyuta - as computer is rendered in
their language - have been out of luck when it comes to communicating in
their tongue. Computers have not yet mastered Swahili or hundreds of
other indigenous African languages.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Linguists-get-with-the-programming/2004/11/26/1101219749091.html?oneclick=true


Language barrier delaying justice
The Arizona Republic, November 26
For six months, Octavio Luis Perez has sat silent in a jail cell, his
justice delayed until linguists can identify his language.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1126nolanguage26.html


Greece seeks to defend language
The Australian, November 26
Greece said today it will join the Organisation of La Francophonie, or
French-speaking nations, to help protect itself and Europe from
domination by a single language - a reference to English.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11504235%255E1702,00.html


Quebec may unleash language police
CBC News, November 23
Quebec's premier may unleash the language police to crack down on the
growing use of English in workplaces around the province.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/11/23/quebec-language-041123.html

Language teachers? Bilingual toys expose kids to new tongue
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, November 23
Remember when it was enough that your child’s doll could coo or whine in
English? Now, in order to impress the playgroup, you need a toy that can
teach little Susie to sing “Buenas Noches” or show little Sam to count
“uno-dos-tres-cuatro.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/10253413.htm

Employers can be misled on language skills during recruitment process
AME Info, November 22
International benchmarks in language skills are essential for employers
to get a true understanding of their employees' capabilities, according
to Mary Mayall, director of studies at the Dubai-based language centre
International House.
http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/49133.html


In S. Korea's language villages, the young get an English edge
Boston Globe, November 21
"Next!" barked Joanne Richardson, a bureaucratic-looking Canadian
sitting behind a desk in a bustling hall marked "Immigrations." She
beckoned to a timid 15-year-old girl wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2004/11/21/in_s_koreas_language_villages_the_young_get_an_english_edge/

The first "language nest" in Võromaa, Southern Estonia
Eurominority.org, November 21
In order to teach children Võro language the parents of Haani region
bring their children once a month to the first pre-school "language
nest" in Võromaa, wrote last month Uma Leht, a newspaper in Võro language.
http://www.eurominority.org/version/fr/actualite-detail.asp?id_actualite=715


High Schools to Provide EU Language Passport
Zaman Online, November 20
High School principles will issue "language passports" to students next
year. The Language Passport will apply in 2005 in schools across Europe
according to an agreement signed by the education ministers of European
Commission member countries.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=national&alt=&trh=20041120&hn=14040

Singapore speaks the Dragon's language
Asia Times, November 24
When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore announced in January
2003 that English could be used to explain Chinese characters to
students in some primary schools, the experimental project aroused great
debate and controversy as to its feasibility.
http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/FK24Ae02.html

Language skills could mean extra pay
Federal Times, November 24
Knowing a foreign language could earn federal civilian and military
employees more money under a provision of the 2005 Defense Authorization
Act.
http://federaltimes.com/index.php?S=511839

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