by Sandeepani Dewapriya

The Postgraduate Institute of English (PGIE) of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is organising its first International Conference on Languages, Literatures, Linguistics (ICLLL) on December 12, 2024. The conference will take place at the Open University premises from 8.30 am onwards.

Dr. Romola Rassool, the Director of PGIE, stated “The PGIE has been the leader in providing high-quality English language and literature related qualifications since 2005. This international conference marks a new chapter in PGIE’s mission to advance English studies in Sri Lanka.”

The conference aims to unite scholars, educators, education administrators and students to explore the theme ‘‘The Role of English in a Plurilingual World.” The keynote address will be delivered by a renowned expert in plurilingualism, Professor Gail Prasad, from the Faculty of Education at York University, Canada.

This inaugural event not only highlights PGIE’s position as the only institution for postgraduate-level English education in Sri Lanka but also celebrates its 20th year as the leading academic institution in the field.

ICLLL 2024 is a response to the long-standing demand from professionals in the fields of teaching English language and literature here for a means of networking and exchanging views. In response to this demand, the conference aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from general and tertiary education representing both the state and non-state sectors.

The conference will feature around 40 academic presentations from educators representing state universities and non-state higher education institutions, government, semi-government, and private schools and teacher training organizations across the country.

It will debate and discuss contemporary sub-themes such as World Englishes, Translingualism, Antiracism and Digital Literacies, and is the first forum that will bring together experts on languages, literatures and linguistics to one platform.

In addition, the event will feature a panel discussion led by prominent Sri Lankan experts in languages and literatures, who will provide their expert insights into the issues discussed at the presentations. All participants will receive an e-certificate and have plenty of opportunities to network with both international and local experts in the field during the event.

The orgnizers welcome all the interested individuals from across the country. The registration and payment links for this conference are available on PGIE’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.

As the only postgraduate level institution for English studies in Sri Lanka, the PGIE offers a variety of academic programs, including master’s degrees in teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), two postgraduate Diploma programmes and short courses in academic writing, research, and other in areas.

In 2025 the PGIE intends to extend its flagship MA in TESL program to international students with its updated curriculum which aligns with global trends in English language teaching.

The Director of the PGIE, sharing her vision for the future, stated “We aim to bring the best of English studies to a wider audience, both in Sri Lanka and overseas.”

Furthermore, PGIE’s role as a recognized centre for Cambridge TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) exams and its monthly “Research and Reflection” seminars demonstrate its institutional commitment to continuous professional development in English Studies.

The ICLLL, 2024 provides a unique opportunity for language educators, researchers, and enthusiasts to engage in a global conversation on plurilingualism with experts in the field and to contribute to the future of English studies locally and internationally.

For more information and registration, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7dRjkcXA/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://forms.gle/h1LR3tXb1xdSNpK87