Academics from La Trobe University and the University of the Philippines collaborated together to launch the newest issue of the La Trobe Asia Brief Indigenous Language Rights and the Politics of Fear in Asia on 22 November 2022 at the University of the Philippines, Manila.
Titled Paglalunsad and Paglalayag (launching and sailing), the event featured La Trobe Asia fellow Dr Gerald Roche speaking on Indigenous language rights, Kristina Callego presenting her PhD research on language contact on the island of Babuyan Claro, and student organisation the Katig Collective presented their website documenting their efforts to promote indigenous languages of the Philippines.
The event also featured a performance by KontraGaPi (Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipno), a musical group featuring traditional Filipino instruments and dancing.
“Speaking to an audience in the Philippines was a great opportunity to present the ideas of the Brief to those who are concerned about Indigenous language rights and are active in the Asian region,” says Gerald Roche.
Hosted by the Linguistics Department at the University of the Philippines, the event highlighted research in language diversity in the Philippines and examined the findings of the La Trobe Asia Brief in detail.
“Participating in these kind of events and collaborating with universities in Southeast Asia is one of the most effective ways we can present the research and values of La Trobe University to our international partners,” says Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia. “By doing this we hope we can develop lasting links between the two institutions on issues of global significance.”
Gerald Roche, Madoka Hammine and Tuting Hernandez are also collaborating on an academic paper, which will be published soon.
