Languages in Australia

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Room G08
Ground Floor
Melbourne Law School
185 Pelham Street, Carlton

Map

Understanding Australia, the Melbourne Social Equity Institute's annual lecture series for refugees and people seeking asylum, returns for its fourth year in September.

The fourth lecture in the series on Monday 9 October will focus on Languages in Australia.

The lecture series is focussed on giving recent arrivals a better understanding of Australian history and contemporary society.

The series began in 2014 with the recognition that many refugees and people seeking asylum in the community didn't have the right to work or study, and were experiencing significant social isolation. Previous attendees have said that they found it an "overwhelmingly positive experience".

Each session is made up of 40 minutes of lectures. The lectures are followed by a break and then a small group discussion. The groups are led by student volunteers from the University.

The lectures are in English but the student volunteers can provide assistance in the small group discussion if you do not understand something.

The lecture series begins on Monday 18 September and continues for six weeks. All sessions run from 5.30pm – 7.30pm on Monday evenings at:

Room G08
Ground Floor
Melbourne Law School
185 Pelham Street, Carlton
Map 

Participation is free. Food, tea and coffee provided. You can attend any or all of the lectures.

Download a printable flyer with more information about the series or email social-equity@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions.

Monday
18 September

Indigenous Australia, Past and Present

An introduction to the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Monday
25 September

Migration and Diversity

Learn more about the challenges, history, and changes brought about by various waves of migration to Australia.

Monday
2 October

Contemporary Australian Culture

Explore how Australia’s workplace culture compares with other places in the world.

Monday
9 October

Languages in Australia

There are many different languages past and present in this country’s long history. These lectures will focus on indigenous languages and mother tongue languages

Monday
16 October

Australian Systems

Come and learn the basics of Australia’s legal and political systems.

Monday
23 October

Human Rights and Equal Opportunities

These lectures will investigate how human rights are spoken about, institutionalised and acted on in Australia.