Bangor University Celebrates Bilingualism

A Centre which has influenced the public perception of bilingualism and the formulation of language and educational policy, not only in Wales but worldwide, is celebrating five years of research and contribution.  

Bangor University has acted as a springboard for extending  expertise in this area to other bilingual communities and Wales is regarded as a world-wide leader in language planning and bilingual education.

At a reception at the University to celebrate bilingualism and mark the achievements of the Centre for Bilingualism in Research & Practice, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor David Shepherd said:

“We have at Bangor, one of the foremost centres for research on bilingualism and multilingualism on the international stage and a major contributor to research and public understanding in the field of bilingualism.  It is a flagship for Bangor University, located in the most bilingual part of the UK, and includes the bonus of an attractive and valuable postgraduate training programme.”

Academics from the Schools of Linguistics, Psychology and Education have contributed to the success of the Centre  which has hosted two international conferences, organised six international workshops and produced numerous publications in peer reviewed journals as well as giving numerous conference presentations and public lectures.

Founding Director of the Centre Professor Margaret Deuchar said “I am delighted to have been associated with the establishment of the Bilingualism Centre at Bangor and to have witnessed its progress from a little-known organisation to one that is now renowned worldwide. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the Centre’s success and who remain committed to its future.”

Immediately before the reception tribute was paid to the contribution of the late Professor Duncan Tanner in a ceremony which involved renaming of the Centre’s multi resource room ‘The Duncan Tanner Bilingualism Resource Room’.

The Centre was set up 5 years ago with funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government to the tune of £5.2m over 5 years.

Publication date: 27 June 2012