In November last year, the University of Malta SEA-EU team hosted a physical meeting of the Identity Subcommittee and a Staff Week entitled Language Policies in European Universities.
partner Universities attendees included student representatives working in or studying European languages and their usage as well as academic staff working on language proficiency and cultural appreciation.
On day 1, Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino introduced the issue of language policy in European universities, on behalf of the UM Task Force that has drafted the language policy guidelines now in force at UM, and whose members were present at this session. A discussion on this topic was led by Dr Mario Aquilina, and an insightful 'question and answer' session ensued.
The second plenary provided each visiting partner University the opportunity to present and discuss their views on the third language 'issue' and the challenges of developing a technical register in 'minority' languages.
Meetings for day two of this staff week were held at the historic building of the Valletta Campus, which included a hybrid meeting of the Identity Subcommittee. The discussion during this meeting led to the question on whether the Alliance shall consider the creation of a SEA-EU Language Policy.
Two guest students: Mr Samuel Buttigieg, KSU Representative and Ms Raquel Sammut from G魔aqda Studenti tal-Malti (Maltese Student Association) and Ms Stephanie Agius Fabri, the Director of the International Office at UM led the discussion during the third and final plenary. The students' perspective was a focal point during this discussion and this led to a fruitful exchange on how language is the prime determining factor for UM students travelling abroad on ERASMUS mobility programmes. The benefits of student exchanges and the opportunities offered through the Alliance via the SEA-EU Universities was also discussed.
The sessions were concluded with bilateral meetings between visiting attendees and UM students, administrators and faculty members in sharing best practises and making new contacts.
