Tessera

Gerald Roche @geraldroche.bsky.social · last mo.

In response to the current inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, my colleagues and I made a submission focusing on linguistic racism. Link for the full submission in the next post.

Purplepingers ☭@purplepingers.bsky.social · 2mo ago

youtube.com/shorts/ihsXY...

Protest Pauline Hanson: Friday 12 June, 5:45pm Queens Park War Memorial, Moonee Ponds

YouTube video by PurplepingersTV

youtube.com

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 3mo ago

On in half an hour!

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 3mo ago

The next USP Linguistics seminar is this Wed 20 May, 4pm Fiji time. The topic for the session is ‘Sign languages in the Pacific’. The session will include interpreters for #Fiji and #Kiribati #SignLanguage and automatic captions. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text. #PacificLanguages #Linguistics

Language Matters in the Pacific Webinar Sign languages in the Pacific
Wednesday 20 May, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time
Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP Linguistics
Abstract:
Sign languages and the communities that use them contribute to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region. However, there are still some common misconceptions about sign languages, as well as issues around access to sign language resources. The webinar brings together a panel of Deaf and hearing experts from across the region who work on a broad range of community-based initiatives and research projects. They will discuss various topics including what support is available for Deaf children, their families and teachers; how Deaf children learn to read; how accessible public services are across the region; and what we know about policies for inclusion across the region. Panellists will also reflect on what we know about sign languages from across the region, what we don’t know and what we need to support this area.
Moderator
Merelesita Qeleni, Special and inclusive education
Panellists
Ketia Toakarawa, Kiribati Association of the Deaf
Krishneer Sen, Deaf Consultancy Pacific
Leniker Thomas, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Vanuatu Deaf Association, Nasonel Saen Lanwis Diksonari Blong Vanuatu (National Sign Language Dictionary for Vanuatu)
Lupe Punaivaha, Tonga National Deaf Association
Rachel Miles, SIL Global

Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86571162952?pwd=vTdejOse8FMTGKafGNUPvEbBwV5wEF.1
Zoom passcode: HE8#K!Dck

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 3mo ago

The next USP Linguistics seminar is this Wed 20 May, 4pm Fiji time. The topic for the session is ‘Sign languages in the Pacific’. The session will include interpreters for #Fiji and #Kiribati #SignLanguage and automatic captions. All welcome! Zoom link in alt text. #PacificLanguages #Linguistics

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 4mo ago

The next Language matters in the Pacific seminar is on tomorrow (Wed 8 April), 4pm Fiji time. We’ve got a great panel from across Oceania to discuss data sovereignty, ethics and AI. All welcome! Zoom link in image alt text #linguistics #PacificLanguages

Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83856004997?pwd=GhHx4qoQ5jMWOjdYnfPiuSwLoyb7DH.1
Zoom passcode: Uu6pGQ*a%
Data sovereignty and ethics in the age of AI: language, art and culture
Wednesday 8 April, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time
In the second of our double bill on language technology, we bring together panellists from across the region to discuss data sovereignty and ethics surrounding Pacific language, art and culture in the face of rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI). These issues include who controls what data is provided as input to AI tools and platforms, particularly when data is restricted or culturally sensitive; and how the output from such tools and platforms can be subject to inaccuracy and bias. They also include impacts on the creative industries when artists lose control of their own work or even their livelihoods. Having discussed these challenges, we will ask our panellists to reflect on the extent to which they can be or are already being mitigated from a Pacific-centric standpoint. We will also ask panellists’ views on the way university academics and students should (or shouldn’t) be using AI tools and platforms.
Panellists
Ms Gillian Dueñas, University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa
Prof Jason Edward Lewis, Concordia University
Dr Akevai Nicholas, University of Auckland
Prof Katerina Teaiwa, Australian National University
Moderator
Ms Alanieta Lesuma-Fatiaki, Instructional Design, Centre for Flexible Learning, University of the South Pacific

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 5mo ago

USP Linguistics’ first Language Matters in the Pacific seminar for the semester is on today (Wed 11 March), 4pm Fiji time (UTC+12). In this seminar we will hear from panellists working in the language technology space in the Pacific. All welcome! #PacificLanguages #linguistics #oceania #moana

USP Linguistics Language Matters in the Pacific seminar series.
Topic: Pacific languages, cultures and new technologies
Date/Time: Wednesday 11 March 4pm to 5.30pm Fiji time
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86831464410?pwd=AJTQi8yn20bxYYXXUtm3aa7cKDVMv6.1
Password: rBWr6#Zv?
Panellists
1. Ms Heiura Itae-Tetaa, Founder and CEO, E-Reo
2. Dr Akevai Nicholas, Senior Lecturer Māori and Pacific Studies, University of Auckland
3. Mr Steven Renata, Managing Director, Kiwa Digital
4. Ms Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson, Co-founder, Pacific Kids Learning
Abstract
The 2026 series of the ‘Language Matters in the Pacific’ webinars begins with a double bill on language technology. In the first webinar, four panellists from across the region will share their experiences of working in this space. The session will begin with a brief demo from each participant of the tool(s) or platform(s) they have developed, before the moderator will lead a talanoa around regional developments in language technology. The discussion will focus on affordances of new technologies in keeping communities connected, supporting the sustainability of Pacific languages, and providing solutions to real-world challenges such as language learning, literacy development, translation, dubbing, speech recognition, dictionary creation and data management. It will centre the need for Pacific-led approaches to language technology that enable communities to participate in this space on their own terms. Panellists will highlight the creation of jobs or entrepreneurial opportunities in this sector, and how this is balanced against more critical concerns about the commercialisation or commodification of language and culture. The session will also touch on issues of data sovereignty, intellectual property and security although these topics will be the main focus of the second webinar.

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 6mo ago

The inaugural conference for the Oceania Pacific Studies Association is on tomorrow and Fri (January 29-30). There is a fantastic range of sessions scheduled. There are watch hubs across the region and in the US including one at USP Laucala Campus sites.google.com/hawaii.edu/o...

Day one program. 29 Jan Thurs. Fiji time (Adjust to your timezone). 9-9:30am: Welcome address by Dr Tēvita Ka’ili. 9:30-11:30am: session one: Empire, politics and identity; session 2: Sounding Oceania. 1-3pm: session three: The future of the Oceania Pacific Studies Association; session four: Pasifika engagement at the Australian Museum. 3:30-5:30: session five: Opposing seabed mining in Moana Oceania; session six: Undercurrents of creativity Oceania Pacific Studies Association, est. 2026. Inaugural conference. Jan 2026.

Day two program. 30 Jan Fri. Fiji time (Adjust to your timezone). 9-9:30am: Welcome address by Dr Apolonia Tamata. 9:30-11:30am: session one: Indigenous data sovereignty; session 2: Safeguarding kava / ‘awa. 1-3pm: session three: Exploring health: public health, disease and media; session four: Pacific research. 3:30-5:30: session five: Militarism / Demilitarization; session six: AI and Indigenous knowledges. 5:30-6pm: Closing Plenary.

Eleanor Ridge @eleanorridge.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Very excited to announce that our three Special Issues on Vanuatu languages are out in Te Reo. Thank you to all the authors, reviewers, my co-editors, our brilliant typesetter, and NZLingSoc. 43 authors, 5 introductions, 25 articles and a book review... nzlingsoc.org/journal/curr...

Current issue - Linguistic Society of New Zealand

Te Reo is the Journal of the Linguistic Society of New Zealand (ISSN 2703-4135). The words Te Reo are the Māori term for ‘the language’ or ‘language’. The Journal is published annually and has been ru...

nzlingsoc.org

Thesiswhisperer @thesiswhisperer.bsky.social · 9mo ago

I'd appreciate help circulating this survey, part of our overall work on neurodivergence. This one is on behalf of the graduate deans, to develop better supervision guidelines. You can help by boosting and circulating the link in your various networks 🙏 redcap.unisq.edu.au/surveys/?s=D...

Developing guidelines for supervising Neurodivergent HDR students

redcap.unisq.edu.au

Lauren Gawne @superlinguo.bsky.social · 10mo ago

LingComm IRL with Skeptics — Interview with Lee Murray lingcomm.org/2025/09/30/l... This is the third post in the LingComm IRL series, it's growing into a really great resource.

LingComm IRL with Skeptics — Interview with Lee Murray

Lee Murray is a doctoral candidate in linguistics at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. They present on linguistics to skeptic groups — who they describe as “evidence-based-reasoning …

lingcomm.org

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 10mo ago

ON NOW: USP Linguistics Language Matters in the Pacific seminar. Today our expert panel will be discussing the topic of Ocean Literacy. See alt text for the zoom link.

Date/Time: Wednesday 1 October 4.00-6.00pm (Fiji time)
Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/81334378027?pwd=b2nvbaWuHxKjtx0rqH0kdRSKfUxx2O.1
Passcode: gZ6*qBVY3
Panellists:

Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, USP)
Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC)
Mr Eliki Drugunalevu (Technical Editor and Digital Communications Officer, Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), USP)
Ms Momoyo Scotty (PhD student in Political and International Affairs, USP)

Moderator: Ms Lavenie Tawake (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP)
Abstract: At the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Niue (the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting), Ministers reaffirmed the importance of Ocean Literacy, recognising the connections between the ocean, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge. The meeting also recognised the need for a whole-of-government / whole-of-society approach in order to move forward. Our next webinar in the Language Matters in the Pacific series brings together four expert panellists from across the region to discuss this outcome. We ask what does ‘ocean literacy’ mean? How do we connect concerns about oceans with these other concerns about languages, cultures and traditional knowledge? And what practical steps are needed in order to see meaningful action?

The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 11mo ago

"How would you feel if a country that is meant to help, to protect, is the one slowly destroying you?" In a new documentary, we spoke to Tuvalu resident and climate campaigner Gitty Yee. Join us for the premiere events and Q&A with Gitty. SYD, MELB, CBR ➡️ australiainstitute.org.au/events/save_...

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 11mo ago

On next!

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 11mo ago

USP Linguistics’ Language Matters in the Pacific seminar this Wed (3 Sept), 4pm Fiji time. We will be hear from panelists working on community-based initiatives that support language revitalization, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy & the creation of language resources in #Oceania

Date/Time Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-6pm Fiji time
Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/82801972025?pwd=HDDHtorGyJQVUKJe1KM3Dovk5WZfTp.1
Passcode: &d2vuKUA*
Title: Multilingualism and Multiliteracies: Walking the Talk
Abstract: In the previous webinar in this series, we heard about the high-level commitments from the Council of Pacific Education Ministers to embed Pacific languages and culture throughout mainstream education across the region. In this webinar, we bring together five panellists who are walking the talk in this space. They work on a range of community-based initiatives that support language revitalisation, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy, and the creation of language resources.
Panelists:
Heti Veikune (Fellow in Curriculum & Literacy, Institute of Education, USP)
Margareth Saumore (Director and Founder, Multilingual and Professional Education Services Association (MAPESA), Solomon Islands)
James Uri-Puati (Language Consultant, Cook Islands)
Edmund Vurobaravu (Primary Curriculum Coordinator, Vanuatu Curriculum Development Unit)
Ikelau Misech (PIDP Research Intern and Palauan Language Consultant at the Department of Linguistics, University of Mānoa)
Moderator: Hancy Joy Mahuri (MA Applied Linguistics student, USP)

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 11mo ago

USP Linguistics’ Language Matters in the Pacific seminar this Wed (3 Sept), 4pm Fiji time. We will be hear from panelists working on community-based initiatives that support language revitalization, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy & the creation of language resources in #Oceania

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 12mo ago

The next USP linguistics Language matters in the Pacific seminar will be later today (Wed 13 Aug) 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing Pacific Identity, culture, arts and languages as priority for education. All welcome. Link: bit.ly/USPlingAug

Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time)
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83206137598?pwd=w1eCNbSuKD0ftbBqi7RGzsaHuXLwU3.1
Passcode: #EeA33xbS
Abstract: At the 2023 meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers in Auckland, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery’. Two years later, in Port Moresby, Ministers reaffirmed this commitment by adopting Pacific identity, culture, arts and languages as a standing agenda item for their biennial meetings. This panel brings together experienced educators from across the region who have played significant roles in the work that has led to this point, through their leadership, advocacy, scholarship and collaboration. They reflect on the journey that has led to Ministers taking this stand, and they share their perspectives on what needs to happen next to ensure that this strong vision turns into concrete action.
Panellists:
• Associate Prof Seu'ula Johansson-Fua (Director Institute of Education and Acting Head of the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education, USP)
• Associate Prof Frances Koya-Vaka'uta (Team Leader – Culture for Development, SPC)
• Mr Wayne Mendiola (Assistant Secretary, FSM Department of Education and Chair of Pacific Heads of Education, PHES)
• Associate Prof Kabini Sanga (School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington)
• Ms Birtha Lisimoni Togahai (Former Director, Niue Department of Education)
Moderator: Ms Tupou Ratuva Singh (PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics, USP)

Prem Thakker ツ @premthakker.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Barely an hour ago, Palestinian journalist Anas Al-Sharif warned us all: “If this madness doesn’t end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.” Israel just killed him.

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · last yr.

On in just over an hour: Language Matters in the Pacific Seminar 4-6pm Fiji time/2-4pm AEST. The panel will be discussing ‘Language and conservation in Oceania’. All welcome! #UniSouthPacific

Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84626453735?pwd=G6NRhbraRmB9Q7R9NaNll75saHPNDK.1
Passcode: %8URmXGVj
The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) affirms the fundamental relationship between Indigenous languages and conservation. Output 7 of the Decade’s Global Action Plan focuses on establishing an “Enabling environment […] for Indigenous languages thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate change adaption and mitigation, ecosystems management, land restoration, improving the marine and coastal environment, reducing natural hazards, preventing pollution and managing water resources.” In Oceania, the planet's most linguistically rich region, languages and cultural diversity are essential to just, effective and lasting conservation. Currently though, with English and French the dominant languages of conservation policy and programming, it is not always clear how an ‘enabling environment’ for the richness and diversity of and within Indigenous languages is being fostered. The panel discussion will explore this question for examples of work taking place in different parts of Oceania.
Panellists: Dr Ramari Oliphant Steward (Aotearoa), Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago (Samoa), Ann Singeo (Palau), Salanieta Kitolelei (Fiji) and Captain Aunofo Havea Funaki (Tonga). Moderator: Maca Stephens (USP, Fiji)

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · last yr.

Starting in an hour

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · last yr.

The first Language matters in the Pacific seminar of the year is on next week (Wed 9 Apr), 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing ‘the language challenge in global climate frameworks’ #UniSouthPacific #PacificLanguages #linguistics All welcome, link: bit.ly/USPLing

Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. The language challenge in global climate frameworks.
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84690175781?pwd=aLPxJazD724jstAVlvudeDlUtO8ah8.1
Passcode: F4eW!hG8a
Panellists: Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC. Salā Dr. George Carter, Deputy Head of Department of Pacific Affairs and Director of Pacific Institute, ANU. Ms Patricia Mallam (Knowledge Broker, Intra-ACP ClimSA. Mr Siosiua Veikune (Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change). Dr Zina Bird (Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Moderator: Dr Tolu Muliaina (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP).
Abstract: This panel will discuss why language matters in global climate frameworks, especially when ensuring that there is a meaningful connection between global conversations and local realities. In light of annual climate negotiations (COP) and forthcoming advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on state responsibilities regarding climate change, questions are often raised about what actually happens in these high-level spaces and how sending delegations overseas benefits the communities who are experiencing climate change impacts on the ground. This panel discussion will consider how high-level discourse is intended to translate into action; how minor adjustments to policy wording can have material impacts on the level of ambition and buy-in from different actors; whether some groups are starting on an uneven playing field if international outcomes are negotiated through languages such as English; and how the stories told by and about Pacific communities impact the climate conversations. These questions will be considered by panellists from across the region who have first-hand experience both attending high-level international events and working more locally to engage with their own communities.

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · last yr.

The first Language matters in the Pacific seminar of the year is on next week (Wed 9 Apr), 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing ‘the language challenge in global climate frameworks’ #UniSouthPacific #PacificLanguages #linguistics All welcome, link: bit.ly/USPLing

Kris Knisely @krisknisely.bsky.social · last yr.

ISO Trans/nonbinary people to hire as (non-English) language experts Are you trans and know a language other than English? I'm looking for people who are in-community and want to collaboratively develop free language learning materials. Interest form: bit.ly/TLangExpert Please share!

ISO Trans/Nonbinary (Non-English) Language Experts. Want to help make free trans-inclusive resources for language learning and get paid for your expertise? I’m looking for people to participate in an online professional learning network April 1-May 6 who are in-community and can bring their language and cultural knowledge to help us collaboratively develop free language education materials. Do you qualify? 1. Are you trans/nonbinary (in the broadest sense of these terms)? 2. Are you at least 18 years of age or older? 3. Do you know a language other than English? 4. Would you like to work with a language teacher to create trans-inclusive open educational resources? April 1-May 6, 2025 10 hours Flexible Scheduling. If matched with a teacher, you will receive $250 compensation for co-creating an educational resource. Fill out a short interest form or ask questions: https://bit.ly/TLangExpert

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 2y ago

Two short pieces from LDaCA worth reading about Indigenous Data Governance & storing & accessing data. The first is a panel discussion w Lesley Acres, Rose Barrowcliffe & Robert McLellan. They highlight the distinction between data owners, data custodians & data stewards #linguistics bit.ly/4hHK14P

Indigenous data governance: A discussion

ldaca.edu.au

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 2y ago

Some good news from Fiji where parliament passed an Act raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 and also replaced the term 'juvenile' to 'child in conflict with the law'. If only Australia could do the same and #RaiseTheAge www.fijivillage.com/news/Parliam...

Parliament passes Child Justice Act that raises criminal responsibility age to 14 and focuses on rehab

Parliament has unanimously passed the Child Justice Act that provides a more comprehensive framework for the special treatment of children at all stag

fijivillage.com

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 2y ago

The final University of the South Pacific Linguistics seminar of the year is on next Wed 9 October 4pm Fiji Time/3pm AEDT online. The panel will discuss ‘Passing on our traditional knowledge to the next generation: the language connection’. All welcome! Link: bit.ly/3XS1KOX

Abstract: This panel will discuss the importance of our languages for traditional or indigenous knowledge. This refers to the names and descriptions that we use when talking about our natural resources, historical sites and traditional skills. We need to be aware of these knowledge systems so that we can transmit them to the younger generations for the safeguarding of our future, whether through schooling, or community-based activities, or national and regional strategies. In this seminar we will learn from researchers and practitioners from across the region sharing their experiences and drawing connections between language and knowledge systems. The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), 2022-2032, has shone a global spotlight on the role of languages in cultural sustainability, and this panel discussion is an opportunity to reflect on this topic from a Pacific perspective.
Link: https://bit.ly/3XS1KOX
Passcode: CJ3Avu$vk

Harriet Sheppard @harrietsheppard.bsky.social · 2y ago

The second seminar in the Languages Matters in the Pacific seminar series, organised by Linguistics at #UniSouthPacific, is on this Wed: How do we embed Pacific Languages throughout mainstream education? All welcome! 4 Sept, 4-6pm (Fiji time)/2pm AEST. Zoom: usp-fj.zoom.us/j/8932338985...

Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. How do we embed Pacific languages throughout mainstream education. Wed. 4 Sept. 2024, 4-6pm (Fiji time). Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP linguistics Zoom link: https://usp fj.zoom.us/j/89323389854?pwd=6uHU2cGWblyxDUhvkoli0JWS7dDbz4.1 passcode: @FU#b4qEc Panel: Ms Elaine Lameta, Ms Lanelle Tanangada, Ms Helen Tamtam, Ms Ariteti Botibara, Ms Aiusnlie Chu Ling-So'o. Moderator Ms Heti Veikune. Abstract: At the meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery'. This panel discussion brings together experienced educators and policymakers from across the region to discuss what this priority might mean in practice.