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Talking in contemporary Australia: First Nations & Italian languages today

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Thursday, 6 February 2025, 5:00-7:00 PM.

On the occasion of the National Day of Dialect and Local Languages, the Italian Cultural Institute of Sydney is proud to host an event dedicated to the richness of linguistic diversity in contemporary Australia. Organized by the Italian Studies and Aboriginal Education at the University of Sydney, in collaboration with Com.It.Es NSW, this event offers a unique exploration of multilingualism from both historical and modern perspectives (Brochure & Agenda).

Australia has always been, and continues to be, a land of profound linguistic diversity. This year’s program delves into this fascinating aspect through two compelling presentations. The first, by Dr. Susan Poetsch (Aboriginal Education, University of Sydney), focuses on the dynamics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, reflecting on their resilience and evolution in the contemporary era. The second, by Associate Professor Antonia Rubino (Italian Studies, University of Sydney), examines the use and transmission of Italian and its dialects across generations within Australian communities, highlighting the cultural shifts since the post-war migration wave.

The event will also feature recorded musical interludes in various languages, celebrating the melodic diversity that characterizes Australia’s cultural tapestry.

Join us for this enriching celebration of languages and cultures, where tradition meets modernity, and stories of identity and communication come to life.

Speakers’ Biography

Dr. Susan Poetsch

Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Susan teaches and coordinates units in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, languages education and the Indigenous Studies Major (ISM). Her research focuses on language reclamation and maintenance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers, learners and communities. All her teaching and research are collaborative, working closely with Indigenous communities, families, organisations, leaders, language experts and educators.

 

Associate Professor Antonia Rubino

Antonia is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney with research interests in Sociolinguistics, Applied Linguistics and Linguistics. She has conducted extensive research in the Italo-Australian community, examining language maintenance and shift across generations and analyzing linguistic practices in the family, education, and media contexts.

Booking here.

  • Organized by: Consulate General of Italy in Sydney
  • In collaboration with: Italian Cultural Institute