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Trace Foundation Launched First Lecture Series, November 22, 2008
On November 22, Trace Foundation successfully launched a new lecture series program in New York City, with the first series entitled, Minority Language in Today’s Global Society. The lecture series program creates a forum for exchange and discussion between Tibetan specialists and other regional, disciplinary, and professional experts on a variety of issues, with the aim of promoting greater insights, cooperation, and new activities in the work of all those involved. The opening lecture event was an introduction to the series exploring various challenges, supports, and developments for minority languages throughout the world in general, with a focus on Tibetan language in China. Lectures were given by five distinguished speakers from various backgrounds. The full-day event filled Latse Library’s Reading Room with a diverse audience of people from backgrounds such as linguistics, education, journalism, linguistic and cultural maintenance, and more.
Peter K. Austin, Director of the Endangered Languages Academic Program, at the School of Oriental and African Studies, gave an overview of the problems facing minority languages today, explaining the progression and causes of language endangerment, and introduced the concept of “language footprints”. Professor Austin expressed optimism for the prospects of even moribund languages to be revitalized, particularly with the aid of language documentation efforts. click here to read short bio
Pema Bhum, Director of Latse Contemporary Tibetan Cultural Library, discussed developments in Tibetan language before, during, and after the Cultural Revolution. He concluded that spheres of life, such as the modern Tibetan lexicon, desktop publishing, and internet and mobile communications, have seen increased use and development of Tibetan language while other spheres have not, leaving the future unclear. click here to read short bio
Fernand de Varennes, Acting Dean of the School of Law at Murdoch University, gave an overview of the different international legal documents pertaining to the protection of minority languages and pointed out that they are few and weakly worded. In regard to Tibetan language, Dr. de Varennes contended that, while some existing policies diminish the spheres of Tibetan language use, a closer adherence to the Chinese Constitution and other existing legislation would serve to protect and promote the language. click here to read short bio
Manlha Kyi, a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, discussed the shift in minority language policies in the post 1990s period. Using case studies from Qinghai Province, she focused on the factors influencing the shift in education policies away from Tibetan medium education to the current emphasis on Putonghua medium education. click here to read short bio
Jia Luo, a visiting scholar at University of Toronto’s Department of Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, gave a historical overview of the development of minority language policies in China, as well as the current language choice dilemmas faced by Tibetans today. He explained that because the majority of the Tibetan population still live in villages, the maintenance and revitalization of Tibetan language at the village level is key. click here to read short bio
At the end of the lectures, the speakers engaged the audience in a lively discussion session, moderated by Professor Austin, which tied the various topics together. The speakers concluded that while Tibetan language is not currently endangered, important spheres of usage are being diminished, and without stronger legal and policy support and implementation, it could soon reach a crucial “tipping” point toward endangerment.
Following the discussion session was a wine and cheese reception where the audience, speakers, and staff mingled and followed up on various discussions and debates. Event proceedings, photos, and videos will be posted on our website.
The next lecture in this series will focus on the topic of mother tongue education and will take place on February 21-22, 2009, International Mother Language Day.
