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USeP Language Department hosts inaugural ILMU International Lecture Series on Applied Linguistics


The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Language Department, recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Development in English, recently hosted its inaugural “1st ILMU International Lecture Series on Applied Linguistics” via Zoom on September 5, 2024. The event aimed to advance knowledge in applied linguistics for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, researchers, and community partners, as articulated by Assoc. Prof. Sajed S. Ingilan, Head of the AB English Language Program. The event offered a unique opportunity for language enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of linguistic issues and trends, particularly those related to language and society.

The lecture series featured distinguished speakers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paolo Coluzzi from Universiti Malaya and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kristof Savski from Prince of Songkla University. Asst. Prof. Dr. Kristof Savski, who shared his enlightening study on Language Policy in Action: Toward a Focus on Discourse Management, skillfully emphasized the evolving focus on how authority is exercised through language, offering a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic interplay between policy and discourse. Together with him was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paolo Coluzzi, who captivated us with his profound insights into the recent transformations within the linguistic landscape. He illuminated the fascinating shift towards examining how authority is wielded through language, drawing from his impactful journal articles in “Language Problems and Language Planning”, “Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development”, and “International Journal of Multilingualism”. His contributions provided a rich, multifaceted perspective on the evolving dynamics of language and authority.

The session also included motivational addresses from renowned professors, aimed at inspiring attendees in their linguistic pursuits. Yang Berbahagia Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nasirin Abdillah of Universiti Teknologi Mara in Malaysia, and Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development (SPJRD) adviser, shared how applied linguistics can be used as a tool to preserve and sustain languages and cultures.

Yang Berbahagia Assoc. Prof Dr. Rodney C. Jubilado, Chair of the Humanities Division at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, SPJRD adviser, and an alumnus of USeP AB English program, expounded in his message,  “research is not just writing but also listening”. This highlights that the process of research is not just about writing systematically but also listening to ideas and innovations that may help in producing its content.

To open the event, Prof. Dr. Marnie Grace I. Sonico, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered her welcoming speech. Faculty members of the Language Department played key roles in the event’s success, with Ms. Mereyl Del Puerto hosting, Ms. Rea Rodessa S. Delos Santos and Mr. Philip Andrew L. Garlitos introducing the speakers, and Asst. Prof. Joy R. Risonar providing closing remarks.

Finally, the lecture delved into the trends in Applied Linguistics wherein lecturers shared recent studies to inform the participants to find ways to collaborate for present and future projects, and engagements such as teaching, research and publication, and extension for the preservation, development, and sustainability of languages in Mindanao.

This collaborative initiative among ILCA, CAS Language Department, and the Language Students’ Society Organization signifies a commitment to fostering scholarship and linguistic expression in Applied Linguistics. With the groundwork established during the event, the USeP ILMU is set for another lecture series this November 8, 2024. The new lecture promises to be a valuable resource for students, academics and linguistic researchers in the field of Applied Linguistics.

 

Article and Photos by: Celestial Molos