Multilingual matters at international language conference

Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chriost recently presented his research and insights on Welsh Language Policy and Multicultural Wales in a keynote address at an international conference of the Association of University Language Centres (AULC).

The conference, which ran from 7 – 8 January was hosted by Cardiff University’s School of Modern Languages at the capital’s Millennium Stadium.

This was the 17th conference for the Association which gathers together professionals in the field of language teaching and learning; providing an opportunity to exchange good practice and explore latest developments in the area.

120 delegates attended the conference to listen to keynote speakers from Wales, The Netherlands and Germany discussing a variety of subjects under the theme of shaping a multilingual society.

Following Professor Mac Giolla Chriost’s address, Dr. Kevin Haines of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands discussed the Opportunities and Challenges in the Multilingual and Multicultural Learning Space and Dr. Peter Tischer of the Universität des Saarlandes, Germany spoke about the German UNIcert Language Certificate for university students. John Pugsley of Welsh Government also spoke to attendees about the Global Futures strategy which is aimed at supporting modern languages in schools in Wales.

This was the first time that the Association had held their prestigious conference in Wales; last year’s conference was hosted by Cambridge University and next year’s takes place in Queen’s, Belfast.