Less commonly taught languages in Australian higher education in 2013: Plus ça change…
RIS ID
97514
Additional Publication Information
ISBN: 9781921944918
Abstract
In this study we report on changes in language offerings in Australian universities for the period 2011-2013, focusing on languages with small enrolments. The changes in tertiary language offerings have not made any significant modification of the landscape reported in our earlier paper, 'Swings and roundabouts: Changes in language offerings at Australian universities 2005-2011' (Dunne and Pavlyshyn 2012). We find that there has been an apparent increase in the number of Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs) offered across the tertiary sector as universities provided more detailed responses. Private benefaction has provided security for a few less commonly taught languages, yet while such philanthropic activity is welcome, it would be of concern if the continued offering of LCTLs were to become dependent on it. A number of urban universities have made cuts in their language programs. Students will have access to these languages by crossinstitutional enrolment, but future uptake will have to be monitored if a depth of linguistic diversity is to be maintained in Australia.
Publication Details
Dunne, K. & Pavlyshyn, M. (2014). Less commonly taught languages in Australian higher education in 2013: Plus ça change…. In C. Travis, J. Hajek, C. Nettelbeck, E. Beckmann & A. Lloyd-Smith (Eds.), Practices and Policies: Current Research in Languages and Cultures Education: Selected Proceedings of the Second National LCNAU Colloquium Canberra, 3-5 July 2013 (pp. 9-17). Australia: LCNAU.