Bilingual education book to kick off symposium

A book chronicling more than 40 years of bilingual education in the Northern Territory will have its Central Australian launch at Charles Darwin University next week on the eve of the Knowledges Intersection II symposium.

Co-editor Dr Samantha Disbray said the book, titled “History of Bilingual Education in the Northern Territory” honoured the work of staff in bilingual programs at 29 remote schools. 

“It’s a collection of stories and case studies from more than 20 contributors who offer insights into the policy settings that either helped or hindered bilingual education since its introduction in the NT in 1973,” Dr Disbray said.

“The book captures the rich knowledge and the intellectual efforts of an innovative group of educators that became internationally recognised for their work in 24 different languages throughout the Territory.

“It draws together the grassroots perspective of education professionals and researchers, aboriginal educators, archival materials and policy analysis.”

Dr Disbray said she was delighted that the book launch could take place in conjunction with the Knowledge Intersections symposium, which will showcase the progress of about 20 researchers working in Central Australian contexts.

Presenters will explore the interdisciplinary and intercultural aspects of their work against themes of sustainability, and arts-based research.

Delegates will hear of new perspectives on issues of common concern and can expect to be inspired by the range of new ways local researchers are thinking about local issues.

The symposium will be held in the Higher Education theatre at Alice Springs campus on Thursday 17 May. The book launch will take place in campus library on 16 May from 5pm.