The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Language Department, recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Development in English, successfully hosted the 2nd ILMU International Lecture Series on Applied Linguistics via Zoom on November 8, 2024. Building on the success of the inaugural event on September 5, 2024, this series once again brought together renowned scholars, thought-provoking presentations, and engaging discussions, all aimed at advancing knowledge in applied linguistics and its relevance to today’s society.

CAS Dean Dr. Marnie Grace I. Sonico delivered a welcome address in the lecture series attended by a diverse audience of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members, researchers, and community partners. Together, they scrutinized the revitalizing influence of language in culture, heritage, and society. The gathering provided a dynamic platform for academic dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange, framing language as both a bridge to shared heritage and an indispensable asset in addressing social issues.

To inspire the young researchers, three honorable international advisers of the USeP’s Scopus-indexed journal, the Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development (SPJRD), gave messages before the lecture proper. Dr. Mohammad Al Aqad of the Universiti Malaya discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in academic research. Following this, Dr. Nasirin Abdillah of the Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia shared an inspiring message on the power of applied linguistics as a tool for social change, with a focus on bridging languages and cultures and giving voice to marginalized identities. He urged students to view their work as a journey of discovery that affirms cultural identity and enriches cultural ties. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rodney C. Jubilado of the University of Hawaii then emphasized how passion is key to achieving meaningful success, quoting Donald Trump: “Passion is key to accomplishing great things.”

The first lecture, presented by Dr. Maya Khemlani David, a renowned sociolinguist from the Universiti Malaya, Malaysia and SPJRD adviser, talks about Reasons for Language Shift and Revitalizing Strategies: Focus on the Philippines. Known for her extensive academic work, with over 400 published contributions, Dr. David featured the importance of understanding the root causes of language decline as a foundation for revitalization. “To revitalize a language, we must first uncover the reasons why communities move away from their mother tongues,” she explained, offering practical strategies to preserve endangered languages and protect cultural identities.

Adding further depth, Dr. Gerald Roche from La Trobe University in Australia shared his expertise on language oppression and its impact on linguistic diversity. A leading political anthropologist and editor of the Routledge Handbook of Language Revitalization, Dr. Roche examined the complex links between language, social justice, and cultural preservation. He urged participants to consider how regional linguistic dominance can overshadow indigenous languages, accelerating their decline. “English is a problem,” he acknowledged, “but it’s not a big problem. The dominance of regional languages can also be a threat.” This perspective challenged conventional assumptions, stimulating a more holistic view of language marginalization within local and global contexts.

Moreover, Ms. Miavic Livitos, President of the Language Students’ Society and a third year Bachelor of Arts in English Language student, noted that the lecture provided an opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students to ask questions and discuss their insights on the topics presented. She emphasized that the second installment of the ILMU lecture series reinforced her belief that language rights are crucial in building a just and inclusive world. SPJRD Editor-in-Chief Sajed S. Ingilan, the LSS adviser , added that the lecture series is a continued commitment to advancing the ilmu (origin from Arabic ilm, means knowledge, as used in Bahasa Sug, Indonesia, Melayu) in the field of Applied Linguistics through conversations with the international experts for the development, preservation, and sustainability of the languages in Mindanao.

Finally, CAS Associate Dean Joy R. Risonar expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and participants who contributed to the success of the event. She acknowledged the dedication and expertise each speaker brought to the series, accentuating the importance of their contributions to the field of Applied Linguistics and to the University’s mission of fostering inclusive, transformative learning.

As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was imbued with a far-reaching sense of reverence and reflection, culminating in a heartfelt T’boli prayer led by Brent Lloyd Licayan, a first year Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics student. This powerful, symbolic gesture honored the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, reminding all attendees of the enduring ties between language, identity, and community.

With its steadfast commitment to excellence, the USeP Language Department, in partnership with the Institute of Languages and Creative Arts, continues to serve as a beacon for meaningful dialogue and intellectual exchange. By hosting initiatives like the ILMU International Lecture Series, USeP reaffirms its function in furthering linguistic knowledge, celebrating cultural diversity, and promoting sustainability. The department’s efforts inspire a collective appreciation of language as a unifying force and a vital tool for promoting global understanding and social progress.

Article by: Joemar Fuerte, and Glaiza Torralba

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