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harrietsheppard.bsky.social
Harriet Sheppard
@harrietsheppard.bsky.social
420 followers 560 following 38 posts
Non-Indigenous linguist based in the South Pacific. Oceanic languages. she/her/sie/ella/iya
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harrietsheppard.bsky.social
The final USP Linguistics webinar is on today 30 September, 4pm Fiji/Kiribati time (UTC +12). The session is on community led initiatives for language(s), literacy and learning. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text. #PacificLanguages #Linguistics #PNG #SolomonIslands #Vanuatu #Fiji
Date: Wednesday 30 September. 4pm-6pm Fiji time (+12GMT) Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/81725129538?pwd=cSPuuVPTF6XDh6PI2Ts5D89KB8BZv9.1 Passcode: Q2@bkZh4# Title: Community led initiatives for language(s), literacy and learning Abstract: This webinar focuses on community led initiatives that support language(s), literacy and learning. While several previous webinars of this series have paid attention to government initiatives and ministerial commitments to languages and cultures in education, this session spotlights some of the more community-led and/or grassroots approaches operating in this space. Each panellist brings unique experiences to the discussion as they highlight what works and doesn’t work in their own community, and how to sustain successes. The session is deliberately skewed towards the highly multilingual and multicultural countries of the Southwest Pacific, where the immense diversity is sometimes considered a complexity in formal planning processes. While this complexity should not be underestimated, the session shows how community led initiatives work precisely because they are grounded in local knowledge and ways of being and doing. Panellists Dr. Kilala Devette-Chee (Papua New Guinea National Research Institute) Mr. Armstrong Malau (Totono Vurës, Vanua Lava, Vanuatu) Ms. Nola Turner-Jensen (West Galari Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Corporation, Australia) Ms. Mariana Waqa (Vunilagi Book Club, Fiji) Dr. Alpheaus Graham Zobule (Kulu Language Institute, Solomon Islands) Moderator: Associate Professor Jeremy Dorovolomo (USP, Discipline of Education)
September 30, 2026 at 12:08 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
The next Language Matters in the Pacific seminar is on today at 4pm Fiji time (UTC +12). This month's webinar will focus on the language factor in inclusive education education across the Pacific. All welcome. Zoom link in alt text. #Linguistics #PacificLanguages
Timing 4pm to 6pm Wednesday 2 September, Fiji time Zoom link https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83391331435?pwd=js9c3tBlrjTHywcxeWePJSEO6lIl9p.1 Passcode     zX&rjv5TN No registration necessary and the session is open to the general public so feel free to share to colleagues, friends, teachers etc. Moderator Dr Victor Alasa (USP Discipline of Education) Panellists Dr. Angelinah Eldads (Inclusive Education Coordinator, Vanuatu Ministry of Education) Ms. Clarissa Jeremiah (Naoero Scholars Connect) Ms. Merelesita Qeleni (Inclusive Education Specialist, Fiji) Ms. Anna Roumanu (USP Institute of Education, Cook Islands) Title: Inclusive education across the Pacific: the language factor Abstract This session follows on from our Pacific sign languages webinar held in May 2026 and considers the multiple ways in which ‘language matters’ for inclusive education. Our panel of specialists will discuss what we mean by inclusive education, describe some of the language-related barriers that continue to exclude many children, and introduce us to a range of projects and initiatives in place across the region that support inclusion.
September 1, 2026 at 10:34 PM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
On now!
harrietsheppard.bsky.social Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · Aug 12
The USP #Linguistics webinar is on in 2 hours (4pm FJT - UTC-12). This month, the fantastic lineup of panellists will be discussing archives and archiving for Pacific languages and cultures. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text @paradisec.bsky.social #PacificLanguages
Language Matters in the Pacific webinar: Archives and archiving for Pacific languages and cultures Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time) Abstract This webinar considers the importance of language and culture archives for the Pacific region. Panellists explain what we can learn from archives about our pasts and how archived materials can be used in contemporary settings to help sustain or reestablish connections to linguistic and cultural heritage. They will touch on practical issues such as accessibility and visibility of archives for the general public; safeguarding and digitisation of data in the face of technological changes; and opportunities for training and skills building for those wanting to work with archives. They will also consider critical questions such as who owns the data that is stored in archives, who gets to decide how ‘open’ data should be, and how sensitive data should be handled. Panellists Ms. Moira Zeta Enetama (MP and Former Director of Tāoga Niue) Mr. Steven Gagau (Cultural Advisor and Metadata Enrichment Specialist, PARADISEC – the Pacific And Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures) Ms. Vaine-Tutai Parima (Senior Library Assistant and Cook Islands Māori Lecturer, Cook Islands Campus, USP) Mr. Richard Shing (Director, Vanuatu Cultural Centre) Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo (Assistant Professor, California State University) Moderator Dr. Nicholas Halter (Senior Lecturer in History, USP) Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86891437088?pwd=j2b9O7kRpQ6zWbn4NRgxUYmpZ52yQZ.1 Passcode: ?ZM35d3!w
August 12, 2026 at 4:19 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
The USP #Linguistics webinar is on in 2 hours (4pm FJT - UTC-12). This month, the fantastic lineup of panellists will be discussing archives and archiving for Pacific languages and cultures. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text @paradisec.bsky.social #PacificLanguages
Language Matters in the Pacific webinar: Archives and archiving for Pacific languages and cultures Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time) Abstract This webinar considers the importance of language and culture archives for the Pacific region. Panellists explain what we can learn from archives about our pasts and how archived materials can be used in contemporary settings to help sustain or reestablish connections to linguistic and cultural heritage. They will touch on practical issues such as accessibility and visibility of archives for the general public; safeguarding and digitisation of data in the face of technological changes; and opportunities for training and skills building for those wanting to work with archives. They will also consider critical questions such as who owns the data that is stored in archives, who gets to decide how ‘open’ data should be, and how sensitive data should be handled. Panellists Ms. Moira Zeta Enetama (MP and Former Director of Tāoga Niue) Mr. Steven Gagau (Cultural Advisor and Metadata Enrichment Specialist, PARADISEC – the Pacific And Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures) Ms. Vaine-Tutai Parima (Senior Library Assistant and Cook Islands Māori Lecturer, Cook Islands Campus, USP) Mr. Richard Shing (Director, Vanuatu Cultural Centre) Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo (Assistant Professor, California State University) Moderator Dr. Nicholas Halter (Senior Lecturer in History, USP) Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86891437088?pwd=j2b9O7kRpQ6zWbn4NRgxUYmpZ52yQZ.1 Passcode: ?ZM35d3!w
August 12, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
geraldroche.bsky.social
In response to the current inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, my colleagues and I made a submission focusing on linguistic racism. Link for the full submission in the next post.
June 29, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
purplepingers.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/ihsXY...
Protest Pauline Hanson: Friday 12 June, 5:45pm Queens Park War Memorial, Moonee Ponds
YouTube video by PurplepingersTV
youtube.com
June 8, 2026 at 5:41 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
On in half an hour!
harrietsheppard.bsky.social Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · May 18
The next USP Linguistics seminar is this Wed 20 May, 4pm Fiji time. The topic for the session is ‘Sign languages in the Pacific’. The session will include interpreters for #Fiji and #Kiribati #SignLanguage and automatic captions. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text. #PacificLanguages #Linguistics
Language Matters in the Pacific Webinar Sign languages in the Pacific Wednesday 20 May, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP Linguistics Abstract: Sign languages and the communities that use them contribute to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region. However, there are still some common misconceptions about sign languages, as well as issues around access to sign language resources. The webinar brings together a panel of Deaf and hearing experts from across the region who work on a broad range of community-based initiatives and research projects. They will discuss various topics including what support is available for Deaf children, their families and teachers; how Deaf children learn to read; how accessible public services are across the region; and what we know about policies for inclusion across the region. Panellists will also reflect on what we know about sign languages from across the region, what we don’t know and what we need to support this area. Moderator Merelesita Qeleni, Special and inclusive education Panellists Ketia Toakarawa, Kiribati Association of the Deaf Krishneer Sen, Deaf Consultancy Pacific Leniker Thomas, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Vanuatu Deaf Association, Nasonel Saen Lanwis Diksonari Blong Vanuatu (National Sign Language Dictionary for Vanuatu) Lupe Punaivaha, Tonga National Deaf Association Rachel Miles, SIL Global Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86571162952?pwd=vTdejOse8FMTGKafGNUPvEbBwV5wEF.1 Zoom passcode: HE8#K!Dck
May 20, 2026 at 3:25 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
The next USP Linguistics seminar is this Wed 20 May, 4pm Fiji time. The topic for the session is ‘Sign languages in the Pacific’. The session will include interpreters for #Fiji and #Kiribati #SignLanguage and automatic captions. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text. #PacificLanguages #Linguistics
Language Matters in the Pacific Webinar Sign languages in the Pacific Wednesday 20 May, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP Linguistics Abstract: Sign languages and the communities that use them contribute to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region. However, there are still some common misconceptions about sign languages, as well as issues around access to sign language resources. The webinar brings together a panel of Deaf and hearing experts from across the region who work on a broad range of community-based initiatives and research projects. They will discuss various topics including what support is available for Deaf children, their families and teachers; how Deaf children learn to read; how accessible public services are across the region; and what we know about policies for inclusion across the region. Panellists will also reflect on what we know about sign languages from across the region, what we don’t know and what we need to support this area. Moderator Merelesita Qeleni, Special and inclusive education Panellists Ketia Toakarawa, Kiribati Association of the Deaf Krishneer Sen, Deaf Consultancy Pacific Leniker Thomas, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Vanuatu Deaf Association, Nasonel Saen Lanwis Diksonari Blong Vanuatu (National Sign Language Dictionary for Vanuatu) Lupe Punaivaha, Tonga National Deaf Association Rachel Miles, SIL Global Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86571162952?pwd=vTdejOse8FMTGKafGNUPvEbBwV5wEF.1 Zoom passcode: HE8#K!Dck
May 18, 2026 at 4:14 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
The next Language matters in the Pacific seminar is on tomorrow (Wed 8 April), 4pm Fiji time. We’ve got a great panel from across Oceania to discuss data sovereignty, ethics and AI. All welcome! Zoom link in image alt text #linguistics #PacificLanguages
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83856004997?pwd=GhHx4qoQ5jMWOjdYnfPiuSwLoyb7DH.1 Zoom passcode: Uu6pGQ*a% Data sovereignty and ethics in the age of AI: language, art and culture Wednesday 8 April, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time In the second of our double bill on language technology, we bring together panellists from across the region to discuss data sovereignty and ethics surrounding Pacific language, art and culture in the face of rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI). These issues include who controls what data is provided as input to AI tools and platforms, particularly when data is restricted or culturally sensitive; and how the output from such tools and platforms can be subject to inaccuracy and bias. They also include impacts on the creative industries when artists lose control of their own work or even their livelihoods. Having discussed these challenges, we will ask our panellists to reflect on the extent to which they can be or are already being mitigated from a Pacific-centric standpoint. We will also ask panellists’ views on the way university academics and students should (or shouldn’t) be using AI tools and platforms. Panellists Ms Gillian Dueñas, University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa Prof Jason Edward Lewis, Concordia University Dr Akevai Nicholas, University of Auckland Prof Katerina Teaiwa, Australian National University Moderator Ms Alanieta Lesuma-Fatiaki, Instructional Design, Centre for Flexible Learning, University of the South Pacific
April 7, 2026 at 3:37 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
USP Linguistics’ first Language Matters in the Pacific seminar for the semester is on today (Wed 11 March), 4pm Fiji time (UTC+12). In this seminar we will hear from panellists working in the language technology space in the Pacific. All welcome! #PacificLanguages #linguistics #oceania #moana
USP Linguistics Language Matters in the Pacific seminar series. Topic: Pacific languages, cultures and new technologies Date/Time: Wednesday 11 March 4pm to 5.30pm Fiji time Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86831464410?pwd=AJTQi8yn20bxYYXXUtm3aa7cKDVMv6.1 Password: rBWr6#Zv? Panellists 1. Ms Heiura Itae-Tetaa, Founder and CEO, E-Reo 2. Dr Akevai Nicholas, Senior Lecturer Māori and Pacific Studies, University of Auckland 3. Mr Steven Renata, Managing Director, Kiwa Digital 4. Ms Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson, Co-founder, Pacific Kids Learning Abstract The 2026 series of the ‘Language Matters in the Pacific’ webinars begins with a double bill on language technology. In the first webinar, four panellists from across the region will share their experiences of working in this space. The session will begin with a brief demo from each participant of the tool(s) or platform(s) they have developed, before the moderator will lead a talanoa around regional developments in language technology. The discussion will focus on affordances of new technologies in keeping communities connected, supporting the sustainability of Pacific languages, and providing solutions to real-world challenges such as language learning, literacy development, translation, dubbing, speech recognition, dictionary creation and data management. It will centre the need for Pacific-led approaches to language technology that enable communities to participate in this space on their own terms. Panellists will highlight the creation of jobs or entrepreneurial opportunities in this sector, and how this is balanced against more critical concerns about the commercialisation or commodification of language and culture. The session will also touch on issues of data sovereignty, intellectual property and security although these topics will be the main focus of the second webinar.
March 11, 2026 at 1:52 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
The inaugural conference for the Oceania Pacific Studies Association is on tomorrow and Fri (January 29-30). There is a fantastic range of sessions scheduled. There are watch hubs across the region and in the US including one at USP Laucala Campus sites.google.com/hawaii.edu/o...
Day one program. 29 Jan Thurs. Fiji time (Adjust to your timezone). 9-9:30am: Welcome address by Dr Tēvita Ka’ili. 9:30-11:30am: session one: Empire, politics and identity; session 2: Sounding Oceania. 1-3pm: session three: The future of the Oceania Pacific Studies Association; session four: Pasifika engagement at the Australian Museum. 3:30-5:30: session five: Opposing seabed mining in Moana Oceania; session six: Undercurrents of creativity Oceania Pacific Studies Association, est. 2026. Inaugural conference. Jan 2026. Day two program. 30 Jan Fri. Fiji time (Adjust to your timezone). 9-9:30am: Welcome address by Dr Apolonia Tamata. 9:30-11:30am: session one: Indigenous data sovereignty; session 2: Safeguarding kava / ‘awa. 1-3pm: session three: Exploring health: public health, disease and media; session four: Pacific research. 3:30-5:30: session five: Militarism / Demilitarization; session six: AI and Indigenous knowledges. 5:30-6pm: Closing Plenary.
January 28, 2026 at 4:17 AM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
eleanorridge.bsky.social
Very excited to announce that our three Special Issues on Vanuatu languages are out in Te Reo. Thank you to all the authors, reviewers, my co-editors, our brilliant typesetter, and NZLingSoc. 43 authors, 5 introductions, 25 articles and a book review... nzlingsoc.org/journal/curr...
Current issue - Linguistic Society of New Zealand
Te Reo is the Journal of the Linguistic Society of New Zealand (ISSN 2703-4135). The words Te Reo are the Māori term for ‘the language’ or ‘language’. The Journal is published annually and has been ru...
nzlingsoc.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
thesiswhisperer.bsky.social
I'd appreciate help circulating this survey, part of our overall work on neurodivergence.

This one is on behalf of the graduate deans, to develop better supervision guidelines.

You can help by boosting and circulating the link in your various networks 🙏 redcap.unisq.edu.au/surveys/?s=D...
Developing guidelines for supervising Neurodivergent HDR students
redcap.unisq.edu.au
November 10, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
superlinguo.bsky.social
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.
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.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:04 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
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.
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?
October 1, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
australiainstitute.org.au
"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_...
September 9, 2025 at 12:12 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
On next!
harrietsheppard.bsky.social Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · Sep 1
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/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)
September 3, 2025 at 3:57 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
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/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)
September 1, 2025 at 10:33 PM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
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
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)
August 12, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Reposted by Harriet Sheppard
premthakker.bsky.social
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.
August 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
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
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)
May 21, 2025 at 2:26 AM
harrietsheppard.bsky.social
Starting in an hour
harrietsheppard.bsky.social Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · Mar 31
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
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.
April 9, 2025 at 2:59 AM