Jackson Wightman’s Post

The CAQ expands its campaign against the English language Excellent article in today’s Gazette by Julius Grey and Eric Maldoff. A political assertion that “French is in decline”, unsupported by credible evidence, provides the CAQ with the foundation of sand that expanded the CAQ’s campaign against the English language to our Cegeps, universities and now, our hospitals and the vulnerable they serve. The CAQ’s campaign against the English language is completely gratuitous. This campaign is not only morally wrong- it will fail. Centuries of history support my opinion- not to mention the 21st century reality we all live in. Bill 96 is not enhancing the vitality of the French language. But It is doing a great job of garnering for Quebec a reputation of being the only jurisdiction in North America with a government that is hostile to the English language. The French language issue will always loom large in Quebec. The French language deserves more than divisive political rhetoric and repressive legislation. All Quebecers deserve a truthful, dispassionate dialogue on language. Discussions that can generate language laws and policies that respect human rights. Discussions that do not interest the CAQ.

Just sending a reminder! Comments are due by April 8, 2024! the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) recently published Notice for Public Comment (NOPC) on Administration for Native Americans’ Survey to Measure Native American Language Vitality in the Federal Register Notice (FRN). https://lnkd.in/ez96F2uq ANA is requesting comments from the public on the draft. For the list of draft questions and more information on the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act, please visit this site: https://lnkd.in/ebB9Pqci   The Federal Register https://lnkd.in/ez96F2uq notice has a 31-day comment period to ensure consideration during the survey revision process to the survey design for Congress. Comments are due by April 8, 2024 to ensure consideration during the survey revision process. Comments may be submitted to: Amy Zukowski, Director of Program Evaluation and Planning, Administration for Native Americans, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20201 or via e-mail to: [email protected]. Please use “Native Language Survey Comments” in the subject line. #Indigenous #languages #survey #federalregister #publiccomment  

🌍🗣️ Exciting Opportunity to Shape Language Policy in Brussels! 📢 Calling all those who live in Brussels and speak English! 🇧🇪 Are you passionate about language, culture, and identity in our vibrant city? Your voice matters in shaping the future of language policy! 🔍 I'm conducting research on the use and attitudes toward English in Brussels, and I need YOUR input! 📝 How do you perceive the role of English in our multicultural environment? Do you see it as a threat to local languages and identities, or as a bridge connecting diverse communities? 💡 Did you know that there are proposals, like the ones from Minister Sven Gatz and the Flemish liberal party, suggesting to make English the third official language in Brussels? Your insights could contribute significantly to evaluating the necessity and implications of such policies. 📝 Take the survey now and be part of this important conversation: https://lnkd.in/dkUkNbEv #LanguagePolicy #Brussels #Languages #CommunityVoice

I had the opportunity to see Minister Marc Miller speak at the Languages Canada conference in Vancouver today. Here are some of the key points I took away from his talk: 1.     Minister Miller acknowledged what was introduced were “rough measures”, but defended the IRCC’s actions by stating that they needed to control what had been “uncontrolled growth” in students, “mostly by bad actors” but also by others. He stated that the problem was created by issuing unlimited study permits and that the overall volume and its growth trajectory was not sustainable, reiterating that IRCC’s role is to control overall volume and to protect against fraud.   2.     In response to a question about housing, he stressed that this was not a housing announcement and that housing was not at the heart of this policy change (suggesting that any arguments along the lines of “but we provide housing for our international students” are not going to be effective).   3.     As has been widely reported in the media in the last few days, he again stated that “bad actor” institutions should potentially be shut down, but that it is in the hands of the provinces at the moment.   4.     He also noted that IRCC will be on the lookout for those who try to “game the system” by introducing “bogus master’s programs” (since graduate programs are exempt from the cap). Overall, it was disappointing to continue to hear language like “bad actors” and “gaming the system” from the Minister (in the past he’s also referred to some institutions as “puppy mills”). This language is picked up by national and international media and paints a negative picture of the Canadian postsecondary education sector. It also leads to infighting among institutions as they each try to show they are not the bad actor and point the finger elsewhere. The postsecondary sector needs to come together to change the narrative.

For consideration in #Buiséad2025: A national Irish language Newspaper to 1983 Amárach standards with Gaeltacht-based and county-based Irish language PR journalists and NUI jounalists, better and safer access roads to built-up areas ; modern town halls, strategic parish halls and strategic community centres. Investment in adult and young people Irish Gaelic and the Irish language motivation, teaching and self-taught acquisition methods at Electoral level and at street to street level with assistance from former Irish language teachers, former Local Goverment employees, former civil servants, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann UG, NLI and Local Government Libraries to comply with the NATIONAL AIM OF RESTORING THE IRISH LANGUAGE.   Less rubbish, more action and investment in the newborn, young couples, mothers and the poorest in Irish society.   Less investment in Foras na Gaeilge, Less investment in Údarás na Gaeltachta, Less investment in National Research, Less investment in State Investment coloured brochures, MORE INVESTMENT IN EACH NEW Irish language office / OIFIG NA GAEILGE AT LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL WITH AMBITIOUS LOCAL IRISH LANGUAGE DRAFT STRATEGIES AND PLANS TO DEVELOP IRISH GAELIC / GAEILGE IN CONJUNCTION WITH REGIONAL NEWSPAPERS THROUGH IRISH FOR FY2025, FY2026 and FY2027 HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST OF OLD AND NEW BILINGUAL GOV.IE AND OIREACHTAS.IE NEWS RELEASES THROUGH IRISH, local news through Irish, Gramadach na Gaeilge (Rialtas na hÉireann), local ads in Irish and innovation methods to embed the Irish language in each forgotten Electoral area with the aim of spreading the Irish language to neglected populated parts of each county both in Gaeltacht areas and outside Gaeltacht areas taking into account value for money concerns for each Financial Year. c

5/31: Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Government of South Australia, Interpreting and Translating Policy, 8 Fact Sheets. 🔘Fact sheet 1 - Using interpreting services – a guide for service providers [https://lnkd.in/egnUdEcg] 🔘Fact sheet 2 - Using translating services for written materials [https://lnkd.in/ec8YSMGn] 🔘Fact sheet 3 - Language list by country and place [https://lnkd.in/eS8RDtjA] 🔘Fact sheet 4 - Deciding when to use an interpreting service [https://lnkd.in/eEMzBqyi] 🔘Fact sheet 5 - Can family and friends provide interpreting services? [https://lnkd.in/e37hb8RF] 🔘Fact sheet 6 - The role of bilingual staff in your organisation [https://lnkd.in/eC3HZgi8] 🔘Fact sheet 7 - Using interpreting services: conflict of interest [https://lnkd.in/e8_RgE2a] 🔘Fact sheet 8 - Interpreting services: your rights and responsibilities [https://lnkd.in/eDVXG_KN]

When Ottawa uses the Official Languages Act to deny access to information #Canada #CanadianPolitics #Bilingualism #Languages #Information #Transparency #AccessToInformation #Transparency #GovernmentTransparency #OfficialLanguages #Accountability 

Parliament to use local languages Order 63 of the new Standing Orders states that a Member of Parliament (MP) may use any of the local languages subject to interpretation and translation to the understanding of all #AsaaseNews https://lnkd.in/dPuHPiD5

Very insightful article on the need for linguistic diversity! According to this piece, over half of all websites are in English, yet over 80% of the world's population doesn't speak the language! This highlights the importance of organizations like Translation Commons, whose mission is to bridge linguistic gaps and promote inclusivity online. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/ggF8UPk7

International Translation Day is meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. Transposition of a literary or scientific work, including technical work, from one language into another language, professional translation, including translation proper, interpretation and terminology, is indispensable to preserving clarity, a positive climate and productiveness in international public discourse and interpersonal communication. Thus, on 24 May 2017, the General Assembly adopted resolution 71/288 on the role of language professionals in connecting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development, and declared 30 September as International Translation Day. The theme of International Translation Day 2023 is "Translation Unveils the Many Faces of Humanity." According to UNESCO, "The theme places a special emphasis on scrutinizing power dynamics within the realm of translation, particularly concerning indigenous language communities.” Royal Heritage Health Foundation shows her concerns in language translations. https://lnkd.in/dgRYHvYf #translation #language #unity #understanding #futureoftomorrow #humanity