International conference on the evolution of language education begins at BRAC University

BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) inaugurated its three-day international conference, "Language Metamorphosis: Implications for Language Education in Decolonial Contexts" (LMLEDC), at BRAC University on Thursday, 28 November 2024. This event focuses on examining the transformative impacts of colonial legacies on language education and their global influence on teaching methodologies and learning practices. Over 300 scholars, language practitioners, and students from Bangladesh and abroad have gathered to engage in discussions on themes such as multilingual education, language policy, linguistic diversity, and decolonial approaches to education. The conference boasts an impressive lineup of six keynote speakers, four distinguished scholars, two plenary sessions, two colloquium sessions, and 151 presentations.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, as the chief guest. The guest of honour, Dr. Salimullah Khan from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, also addressed the gathering. Prominent attendees included Professor Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University; Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University; Professor Mohammad Ashaduzzaman, Director of the International Mother Language Institute; Ms. Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at BRAC University; Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Advisor and Founder of BRAC Institute of Languages; and Dr. Shaila Sultana, Director of BIL.

Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed opened the event by reflecting on Sir Abed's vision of BRAC University as a hub for holistic education, highlighting BIL's role in promoting multilingualism as a pathway to global understanding. Chief Guest Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar emphasized Bangla's significance as a representation of identity, urging a balanced approach to multilingualism without overshadowing the mother tongue. He praised BIL's contributions to innovative linguistic education and the conference's role in fostering solutions for advancing the field. Guest of Honour Dr. Salimullah Khan advocated for literacy that values linguistic diversity, stressing the importance of mother tongue education alongside English for inclusivity and accessibility. Chairperson Ms. Tamara Hasan Abed reiterated the need for curricula that embrace linguistic diversity, ensuring education preserves cultural identity. Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar envisioned the conference as a means of democratizing knowledge through language, fostering empathy, and respect for diversity.

Keynote speakers included globally renowned academics, such as Professor Suresh Canagarajah from Pennsylvania State University, USA; Professor Stephen May from the University of Auckland, New Zealand; and Professor Sender Dovchin from Curtin University, Australia. Three others joined virtually: Professor Sirpa Leppänen from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland; Professor Emeritus Robert Phillipson from Copenhagen Business School, Denmark; and Professor Alastair Pennycook from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

The conference reflects BRAC University's commitment to addressing linguistic challenges and fostering impactful dialogue in language education.