Curtin Sarawak Conduct Free Public Talk

MIRI, 24 November 2005 – In line with its community relations programme and continuous dedication to the advancement of knowledge, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) in collaboration with Pustaka Miri will be conducting a free public talk entitled, “Minority Languages and Dictionaries : Documentation and Maintenance”.

Pn Bibi Aminah, Director, Pre-University Studies cum Organising Chairman said, “The purpose of the talk is to increase awareness especially among the local community in Miri and Sarawak, the importance of maintaining their own languages through dictionary compilation. We hope this move by Curtin Sarawak will initiate more collaborative ties established with other institutions and organisations in the field of academia, culture and also the ethnic languages.”

Professor James T Collins, a research fellow currently attached to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi has been invited to present the talk which will be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia. He is a prominent and well-known personality in the field of language and linguistics.

Representatives from Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka Sarawak Branch have been invited to attend. Participants for this public talk include staff from the University, various institutions and associations in Miri and Bintulu for instance, Orang Ulu, Melayu, Miriek, Melanau, Vaie’, Bisaya associations, Teachers’ Training College as well as representatives from various schools in Miri.

The free public talk is scheduled on:

Date       : Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Venue    : Pustaka Miri, Audio-Visual Room, Miri, Sarawak

Time      : 3.00 pm

Members of the public are cordially invited to attend and as seats are limited, attendees are advised to register early through email or phone call.

Further details on the free public talk can be obtained from Pn Bibi Aminah and Miss Azlin Alwie at 085-443939 or email to bibi.aminah@curtin.edu.my; azlin.a@curtin.edu.my