Brac Institute of Languages (BIL) has launched its three-day international conference, “Language Metamorphosis: Implications for Language Education in Decolonial Contexts” (LMLEDC), at Brac University. The conference aims to explore the transformative impacts of colonial legacies on language education and their global influence on teaching methodologies and learning practices. Over 300 scholars, language practitioners, and students from Bangladesh and abroad have gathered to discuss themes such as multilingual education, language policy, linguistic diversity, and decolonial approaches to education.
Event was graced by Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, and guest of honor Dr. Salimullah Khan from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. Prominent attendees included Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Brac University, Mohammad Ashaduzzaman, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Brac University, Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Advisor and Founder of Brac Institute of Languages, and Dr. Shaila Sultana, Director of BIL.
Keynote speakers included globally renowned academics like Professor Suresh Canagarajah from Pennsylvania State University, Professor Stephen May from the University of Auckland, and Professor Sender Dovchin from Curtin University. Three others joined virtually: Professor Sirpa Leppänen from the University of Jyväskylä, Professor Emeritus Robert Phillipson from Copenhagen Business School, and Professor Alastair Pennycook from the University of Technology Sydney.
Conference reflects Brac University’s commitment to addressing linguistic challenges and fostering impactful dialogue in language education.