You are invited to join the Learned Society of Wales, Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Society of Edinburgh for a Celtic Academies Alliance symposium on languages. In this event, we will approach languages from every direction in an interdisciplinary and international gathering.
The event will unite researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from Wales, Scotland, and Ireland to explore the shared challenges and opportunities surrounding languages. It aims to reinvigorate language-focused disciplines, inform inclusive policy, and demonstrate the added value of cross-national collaboration.
The Celtic Academies Alliance brings together the national academies of Ireland, Scotland and Wales to further promote and encourage co-operation, collaboration and shared learning across the three academic and research systems.
Speakers and further details will be released soon.
Programme
10:00-10:15 Arrival
10:15-11:30 Panel session one: Celtic languages
- A brief background on the history of each language and its links to culture
- The current state of the language
- The current state of national policy
- The current state of the discipline in academia and education
- What can the communities surrounding each language learn from each other?
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-13:00 Panel session two: World languages
- The state of modern languages study in Wales/Scotland/Ireland.
- The future of modern languages study in Wales/Scotland/Ireland: how might we adapt or change?
- The changing landscape of languages spoken in the UK.
- Benefits of multilingualism.
- The role of modern language study in a multicultural society.
13:00-13:45 Lunch
13:45-15:00 Panel session three: Language and Disability
- The current academic landscape surrounding the study of language and disability, including reflections on augmentative and alternative communication, British and Irish sign language, and language development.
- The state of public and institutional policy in Wales, Scotland and Ireland for linguistic inclusion.
- What can we learn from differing policies in Wales, Scotland and Ireland?
15:00-15:15 Break
15:15-16:00 Closing session: Languages and Culture
Accessibility
- The event will be held in Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham. For more information about accessibility and parking please visit: Plan your visit – Tŷ Pawb
- Please note any accessibility requirements when completing the registration form.
Photography
- Photographs will be taken throughout the event, if you do not wish to be included in any images please let us know.
If you have any enquiries about this event, please contact us at events@lsw.wales.ac.uk