The Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) is privileged to have Professor Kate Burridge speak at its annual general meeting.
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The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 29 at the Stawell Secondary College Language Centre, commencing at 6pm.
Kate Burridge is currently Professor of Linguistics at Monash University in Melbourne and is a fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. She is a regular commentator in the media and has authored many books on language, including 'Gift of the Gob'.
Kate has had more than sixteen years involvement with the ABC, preparing and presenting weekly programs on language for radio and, more recently, for television. She has been involved in a number of talkback radio programs and written regular pieces for ABC radio's Soundbank. She was also given the chance to present a weekly language spot on the ABC TV show 'Can We Help'.
Kate's fascination with language is compelling.
"Clues to where the language is heading are everywhere and the key is variation, the infinite variation in everyday speech," she said.
"What many people think of as slipshod pronunciations, mistakes in grammar, coinages, new-fangled meanings and so on - these are the basis for real change.
"Why this change happens is the most complex and, for me, the most fascinating question of all. Even fashion is involved - people want to change their language (especially vocabulary), like they want to change the hemlines on the trousers and dresses they wear. The history of a language like English chronicles the enduring tussle between speakers' desire for new, exciting ways of saying things and the tendency for words and structures to become mundane and routine."
Kate's fun and passionate presentation is a not-to-be-missed event.
The annual general meeting is open for all members of the public to attend. The Central Grampians LLEN would especially like to invite young people and parents, teachers, members of the business community and anyone with an interest in furthering the educational and employment opportunities for our youth. To RSVP phone 5352 3266 or email info@cgllen.org.au