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Celebrating linguistic difference in multicultural Britain – all welcome to UEL public lecture – Tuesday 22 May

Thursday 10 May 2007

London is among the most multilingual cities in the world, and over three hundred languages are spoken in the city each day. This variety of language is a crucial aspect of the current debate over multiculturalism in the UK – should we welcome such diversity or strive for a monolingual society?

On Tuesday 22 May, Peter Martin, Professor of Education and Linguistics at the University of East London (UEL), will attempt to answer that question in Celebrating linguistic difference in multicultural Britain, his inaugural public lecture at UEL’s Stratford Campus.

Drawing upon extensive teaching, learning and research experience in Britain and South-east Asia, Professor Martin will explore the complex realities of multilingual societies in the contemporary global era, arguing the importance of a move away from rigidly structured concepts of language towards a deeper understanding of its fluid and flexible use.

Professor Martin’s lecture will investigate a wide range of issues, including language alternation, the emergence of new forms of English and the key role of education in harnessing and celebrating linguistic difference in multicultural Britain.

A lifelong West Ham fan, Peter Martin has taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the UK as well as working overseas in Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. He previously worked at the University of Brunei Darussalam, and at the University of Leicester, before joining UEL’s School of Education, based in Stratford, in 2005.

Professor Martin's research interests and publications focus on multilingualism, and the relation between language, culture and identity. He is working on an Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) project in partnership with the Universities of Birmingham, Birkbeck, and Kings College London, to explore the social and cultural significance of complementary schools both within their communities and in the wider society, and to contribute to education policy and practice.

Celebrating linguistic difference in multicultural Britain will take place in lecture theatre TL300 at UEL’s Romford Road Campus, Stratford, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22 May. Admission is free. For further details, visit www.uel.ac.uk/lectureseries.

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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