Educational Linguistics Conference 2008: Innovations and Practice in Finland and Japan
Hosted by the University of Helsinki, Department of Translation Studies, 29 May 2008
Kouvula, Finland
The development and integration of comprehensive language skills is a matter of interest to foreign, second language learners, as well as learners of a native language with respect to literacy and communicative competence in the information age. The advent of information technology (IT) has
presented both opportunities and new challenges for learners. As the standard interface in the IT environment is now capable of audiovisual transmission, speaking and listening are now part and parcel of the territory we once defined as literacy, i.e. the ability to read and write. For example, a
basic PowerPoint presentation with an audience taking notes and asking questions requires that all participants use the four language skills. The development and integration of comprehensive language skills requires reevaluation as we strive to offer the best opportunity available to language
learners in the age of technical literacy. How do we get back to basics in this new technological era?
Call for Papers
The organizing committee for Educational Linguistics 2008 invites proposals from practitioners active in language education in Finland and Japan to share their experiences and exploratory research. Presentations will be scheduled the morning of Thursday the 29th of May, with an afternoon symposium on the state of language education practice in Finland and Japan also
conducted in English, including an opportunity for questions and comments.
Please note that Educational Linguistics Conference 2008 is not affiliated with any specific organization or publisher in the fields of linguistics or language education.
Guidelines for Presentation Proposals:
Presentation content should be original research that can be summarized between 15 to 20 minutes, with a short period for questions to follow. The language for the conference will be English.
Send your proposal in abstract form in English by the 15th of March, 2008 in the text of an email with the title “Presentation Proposal” to: <
larry.walker@helsinki.fi>, or <
mike.garant@helsinki.fi>. You are
welcome to attend but not present a paper, please let us know by April 1, 2008.
Conference Fees: No fee will be charged to presenters or observers. However, presenters and observers are responsible for all of their own travel, meals and accommodations, etc.
