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On February
11, 2004, Aga Khan University, Centre of English Language (CEL)
and Oxford University Press jointly hosted the launch of CEL's
publication, Language Policy, Planning and Practice: A South
Asian Perspective, edited by Dr. Sabiha Mansoor (Associate Professor
and Head, CEL), Shaheen Mairaj (Assistant Professor), and Aliya
Tahir (Assistant Professor). Dr. Najma Najam, Vice Chancellor, Fatima
Jinnah University, Islamabad was the chief guest on the occasion.
It is a collection of papers presented at the first AKU-CEL International
Seminar held in February 2001. The ceremony was well attended by
diplomats, educationists, policy makers and planners, and journalists.
Guests and speakers present
on the occasion described the book as a pioneering work on language policy and
planning in the context of South Asia. Speaking on the occasion, Dr.
Najma Najam commended the hard work and competence of the editors saying that,
'it is an unenvious job to ensure that each article retains the thought and
words of each author while ensuring a standardized format and continuity throughout
for the reader.' She also expressed hope that the book would become an effective
source of information and reference document for researchers and academics.
Earlier in his welcome address
Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President AKU, expressed the need in Pakistan for a realistic
and reliable language policy which prepared students to face the challenges
of higher education and employment. In this regard he further said, 'I hope
that the book will help provide a direction for educators and planners to focus
on language planning.' Shamsh Kassim-Lakha also expressed hope that CEL will
play a significant role in developing language teaching programmes in the Faculty
of Arts and Sciences. He concluded by commending CEL and the editors
for their effort.
Amina Saiyiad, Managing
Director, Oxford University Press, in her speech also praised CEL for bringing
out a book focusing on the sensitive issue of a bilingual language policy in
South Asia.
Charlie Walker, Director,
British Council, in his message, read by Samina Khan, Deputy Director, British
Council, congratulated the editors saying that they had made a valuable contribution
in highlighting the commonality and critical nature of the issue of English
language planning and teaching throughout South Asia, hence providing a forum
for addressing this issue collectively.
Dr. Samina Qadir, Associate
Professor, Department of English, Fatima Jinnah University, also spoke on the
occasion. The ceremony came to an end with Dr. Sabiha Mansoor's closing remarks
and a vote of thanks.
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