Harriet Sheppard

LingComm IRL with Skeptics — Interview with Lee Murray Lee Murray is a doctoral candidate in linguistics at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. They present on linguistics to skeptic groups — who they describe as “evidence-based-reasoning …

LingComm IRL with Skeptics — Interview with Lee Murray
lingcomm.org/2025/09/30/l...

This is the third post in the LingComm IRL series, it's growing into a really great resource.

Date/Time: Wednesday 1 October 4.00-6.00pm (Fiji time) Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/81334378027?pwd=b2nvbaWuHxKjtx0rqH0kdRSKfUxx2O.1 Passcode: gZ6*qBVY3 Panellists: Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, USP) Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC) Mr Eliki Drugunalevu (Technical Editor and Digital Communications Officer, Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), USP) Ms Momoyo Scotty (PhD student in Political and International Affairs, USP) Moderator: Ms Lavenie Tawake (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP) Abstract: At the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Niue (the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting), Ministers reaffirmed the importance of Ocean Literacy, recognising the connections between the ocean, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge. The meeting also recognised the need for a whole-of-government / whole-of-society approach in order to move forward. Our next webinar in the Language Matters in the Pacific series brings together four expert panellists from across the region to discuss this outcome. We ask what does ‘ocean literacy’ mean? How do we connect concerns about oceans with these other concerns about languages, cultures and traditional knowledge? And what practical steps are needed in order to see meaningful action?

ON NOW: USP Linguistics Language Matters in the Pacific seminar. Today our expert panel will be discussing the topic of Ocean Literacy. See alt text for the zoom link.

"How would you feel if a country that is meant to help, to protect, is the one slowly destroying you?"

In a new documentary, we spoke to Tuvalu resident and climate campaigner Gitty Yee. Join us for the premiere events and Q&A with Gitty.

SYD, MELB, CBR
➡️ australiainstitute.org.au/events/save_...

On next!

Date/Time Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-6pm Fiji time Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/82801972025?pwd=HDDHtorGyJQVUKJe1KM3Dovk5WZfTp.1 Passcode: &d2vuKUA* Title: Multilingualism and Multiliteracies: Walking the Talk Abstract: In the previous webinar in this series, we heard about the high-level commitments from the Council of Pacific Education Ministers to embed Pacific languages and culture throughout mainstream education across the region. In this webinar, we bring together five panellists who are walking the talk in this space. They work on a range of community-based initiatives that support language revitalisation, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy, and the creation of language resources. Panelists: Heti Veikune (Fellow in Curriculum & Literacy, Institute of Education, USP) Margareth Saumore (Director and Founder, Multilingual and Professional Education Services Association (MAPESA), Solomon Islands) James Uri-Puati (Language Consultant, Cook Islands) Edmund Vurobaravu (Primary Curriculum Coordinator, Vanuatu Curriculum Development Unit) Ikelau Misech (PIDP Research Intern and Palauan Language Consultant at the Department of Linguistics, University of Mānoa) Moderator: Hancy Joy Mahuri (MA Applied Linguistics student, USP)

USP Linguistics’ Language Matters in the Pacific seminar this Wed (3 Sept), 4pm Fiji time. We will be hear from panelists working on community-based initiatives that support language revitalization, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy & the creation of language resources in #Oceania

Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time) Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83206137598?pwd=w1eCNbSuKD0ftbBqi7RGzsaHuXLwU3.1 Passcode: #EeA33xbS Abstract: At the 2023 meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers in Auckland, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery’. Two years later, in Port Moresby, Ministers reaffirmed this commitment by adopting Pacific identity, culture, arts and languages as a standing agenda item for their biennial meetings. This panel brings together experienced educators from across the region who have played significant roles in the work that has led to this point, through their leadership, advocacy, scholarship and collaboration. They reflect on the journey that has led to Ministers taking this stand, and they share their perspectives on what needs to happen next to ensure that this strong vision turns into concrete action. Panellists: • Associate Prof Seu'ula Johansson-Fua (Director Institute of Education and Acting Head of the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education, USP) • Associate Prof Frances Koya-Vaka'uta (Team Leader – Culture for Development, SPC) • Mr Wayne Mendiola (Assistant Secretary, FSM Department of Education and Chair of Pacific Heads of Education, PHES) • Associate Prof Kabini Sanga (School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington) • Ms Birtha Lisimoni Togahai (Former Director, Niue Department of Education) Moderator: Ms Tupou Ratuva Singh (PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics, USP)

The next USP linguistics Language matters in the Pacific seminar will be later today (Wed 13 Aug) 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing Pacific Identity, culture, arts and languages as priority for education. All welcome. Link: bit.ly/USPlingAug

Barely an hour ago, Palestinian journalist Anas Al-Sharif warned us all:

“If this madness doesn’t end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.”

Israel just killed him.

We have a USP linguistics FB page with members from throughout the South Pacific who might recognise the languages. All are welcome to join and post there www.facebook.com/groups/15379...

List of f words translated

List of T words

A list of numbers translated

A list of numbers translated

Language two:

A list of numbers in two languages

A list of language in two languages

A list of t words

A list of F words

Language one:

I stumbled on to a nineteenth century handwritten dictionary created by a sailor (c1835) that has the translation for common words for two languages & can’t figure out which languages they are. I figured a linguistic might A) be able to identify them or B) find them useful in their research

About to head into a seminar for the rest of the day but will look later and see if the mystery is solved in the interim

If you do have a copy of any part of the dictionary that you are able to share or a link, I'd love to have a look. I have a couple of colleagues here at the University of the South Pacific who might know if I don't

It depends what you are after? My expertise is a little to the west (PNG). I can probably point you to an expert although there are not many Oceanicists on here

Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84626453735?pwd=G6NRhbraRmB9Q7R9NaNll75saHPNDK.1 Passcode: %8URmXGVj The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) affirms the fundamental relationship between Indigenous languages and conservation. Output 7 of the Decade’s Global Action Plan focuses on establishing an “Enabling environment […] for Indigenous languages thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate change adaption and mitigation, ecosystems management, land restoration, improving the marine and coastal environment, reducing natural hazards, preventing pollution and managing water resources.” In Oceania, the planet's most linguistically rich region, languages and cultural diversity are essential to just, effective and lasting conservation. Currently though, with English and French the dominant languages of conservation policy and programming, it is not always clear how an ‘enabling environment’ for the richness and diversity of and within Indigenous languages is being fostered. The panel discussion will explore this question for examples of work taking place in different parts of Oceania. Panellists: Dr Ramari Oliphant Steward (Aotearoa), Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago (Samoa), Ann Singeo (Palau), Salanieta Kitolelei (Fiji) and Captain Aunofo Havea Funaki (Tonga). Moderator: Maca Stephens (USP, Fiji)

On in just over an hour: Language Matters in the Pacific Seminar 4-6pm Fiji time/2-4pm AEST. The panel will be discussing ‘Language and conservation in Oceania’. All welcome! #UniSouthPacific

Starting in an hour

Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. The language challenge in global climate frameworks. Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84690175781?pwd=aLPxJazD724jstAVlvudeDlUtO8ah8.1 Passcode: F4eW!hG8a Panellists: Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC. Salā Dr. George Carter, Deputy Head of Department of Pacific Affairs and Director of Pacific Institute, ANU. Ms Patricia Mallam (Knowledge Broker, Intra-ACP ClimSA. Mr Siosiua Veikune (Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change). Dr Zina Bird (Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Moderator: Dr Tolu Muliaina (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Abstract: This panel will discuss why language matters in global climate frameworks, especially when ensuring that there is a meaningful connection between global conversations and local realities. In light of annual climate negotiations (COP) and forthcoming advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on state responsibilities regarding climate change, questions are often raised about what actually happens in these high-level spaces and how sending delegations overseas benefits the communities who are experiencing climate change impacts on the ground. This panel discussion will consider how high-level discourse is intended to translate into action; how minor adjustments to policy wording can have material impacts on the level of ambition and buy-in from different actors; whether some groups are starting on an uneven playing field if international outcomes are negotiated through languages such as English; and how the stories told by and about Pacific communities impact the climate conversations. These questions will be considered by panellists from across the region who have first-hand experience both attending high-level international events and working more locally to engage with their own communities.

The first Language matters in the Pacific seminar of the year is on next week (Wed 9 Apr), 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing ‘the language challenge in global climate frameworks’ #UniSouthPacific #PacificLanguages #linguistics All welcome, link: bit.ly/USPLing

ISO Trans/Nonbinary (Non-English) Language Experts. Want to help make free trans-inclusive resources for language learning and get paid for your expertise? I’m looking for people to participate in an online professional learning network April 1-May 6 who are in-community and can bring their language and cultural knowledge to help us collaboratively develop free language education materials. Do you qualify? 1. Are you trans/nonbinary (in the broadest sense of these terms)? 2. Are you at least 18 years of age or older? 3. Do you know a language other than English? 4. Would you like to work with a language teacher to create trans-inclusive open educational resources? April 1-May 6, 2025 10 hours Flexible Scheduling. If matched with a teacher, you will receive $250 compensation for co-creating an educational resource. Fill out a short interest form or ask questions: https://bit.ly/TLangExpert

ISO Trans/nonbinary people to hire as (non-English) language experts

Are you trans and know a language other than English? I'm looking for people who are in-community and want to collaboratively develop free language learning materials.

Interest form: bit.ly/TLangExpert

Please share!

The brand I tried is made in Fiji and some quick sleuthing shows they only started making it last year. Possibly someone had a great holiday in the Maritimes or they knew people like me would have to buy something called 'moon mist'

I assumed it was a Fijian combo - I wonder if it is the same three flavours? I recently bought a tub because I had to taste it at least once and it was as underwhelming as I suspected. The banana flavour was (un)surprisingly the most palatable. I've got photo evidence if you want to compare

Interview with Jane Simpson Interview with Jane Simpson.

The second is an interview with Prof Jane Simpson. Both pieces relate to the 'Australian' context specifically but very relevant for people outside the region, including Oceania. Succession planning keeps me up at night. I'd love to hear how others deal with it bit.ly/40Bcana

Indigenous data governance: A discussion Indigenous data governance: A discussion

Two short pieces from LDaCA worth reading about Indigenous Data Governance & storing & accessing data. The first is a panel discussion w Lesley Acres, Rose Barrowcliffe & Robert McLellan. They highlight the distinction between data owners, data custodians & data stewards #linguistics bit.ly/4hHK14P

Parliament passes Child Justice Act that raises criminal responsibility age to 14 and focuses on rehab Parliament has unanimously passed the Child Justice Act that provides a more comprehensive framework for the special treatment of children at all stag

Some good news from Fiji where parliament passed an Act raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 and also replaced the term 'juvenile' to 'child in conflict with the law'. If only Australia could do the same and #RaiseTheAge www.fijivillage.com/news/Parliam...

Abstract: This panel will discuss the importance of our languages for traditional or indigenous knowledge. This refers to the names and descriptions that we use when talking about our natural resources, historical sites and traditional skills. We need to be aware of these knowledge systems so that we can transmit them to the younger generations for the safeguarding of our future, whether through schooling, or community-based activities, or national and regional strategies. In this seminar we will learn from researchers and practitioners from across the region sharing their experiences and drawing connections between language and knowledge systems. The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), 2022-2032, has shone a global spotlight on the role of languages in cultural sustainability, and this panel discussion is an opportunity to reflect on this topic from a Pacific perspective. Link: https://bit.ly/3XS1KOX Passcode: CJ3Avu$vk

The final University of the South Pacific Linguistics seminar of the year is on next Wed 9 October 4pm Fiji Time/3pm AEDT online. The panel will discuss ‘Passing on our traditional knowledge to the next generation: the language connection’. All welcome! Link: bit.ly/3XS1KOX

YouTube video by Language Matters in the Pacific Language Matters in the Pacific Seminars: What role do Pacific languages play in Pacific media?

If you would like to catch up and watch the first seminar in the series where the role of Pacific languages in the media was discussed, you can watch it here: youtu.be/0Vv5GbrSzxM?...

Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. How do we embed Pacific languages throughout mainstream education. Wed. 4 Sept. 2024, 4-6pm (Fiji time). Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP linguistics Zoom link: https://usp fj.zoom.us/j/89323389854?pwd=6uHU2cGWblyxDUhvkoli0JWS7dDbz4.1 passcode: @FU#b4qEc Panel: Ms Elaine Lameta, Ms Lanelle Tanangada, Ms Helen Tamtam, Ms Ariteti Botibara, Ms Aiusnlie Chu Ling-So'o. Moderator Ms Heti Veikune. Abstract: At the meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery'. This panel discussion brings together experienced educators and policymakers from across the region to discuss what this priority might mean in practice.

The second seminar in the Languages Matters in the Pacific seminar series, organised by Linguistics at #UniSouthPacific, is on this Wed: How do we embed Pacific Languages throughout mainstream education? All welcome! 4 Sept, 4-6pm (Fiji time)/2pm AEST. Zoom: usp-fj.zoom.us/j/8932338985...