The Department of English Hosts Research Symposium on Emerging Trends in Applied Linguistics and ELT

The symposium was inaugurated by Professor Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor of UAP, who attended as the chief guest and highlighted the significance of language studies in shaping educational policies. Professor Dr. M.A. Baqui Khalili, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, graced the occasion as the special guest. Mr. Takad Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of the Department of English delivered a welcoming address, setting the stage for an engaging discourse. The keynote speaker, Dr. Sultana, emphasized the need for students to actively seek solutions to challenges in Applied Linguistics and ELT. She provided an overview of the historical and contemporary developments in the field, shedding light on research possibilities in Bangladesh.

One of the major concerns raised during the presentation was the absence of a comprehensive language policy even after 50 years of independence. Professor Sultana underscored the urgency of establishing an inclusive education system that accommodates indigenous languages while maintaining linguistic ecology. She advocated for a multilingual education framework incorporating translingual literacy, translanguaging, and multimodality to ensure language equality and interdependence among different languages.

Another key aspect of the discussion was the necessity of developing localized ELT theories. Professor Sultana pointed out that most language theories used in Bangladesh originate from foreign scholars. She stressed the importance of formulating pedagogical models tailored to the primary, secondary, and higher-secondary education levels in Bangladesh. Additionally, she called for research initiatives aimed at challenging colonial biases and transforming the mindset regarding linguistic hierarchies.

The symposium also explored emerging fields in ELT, such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), which examines the interplay between language and subject knowledge. The keynote speaker emphasized the importance of ethnographic research, data collection from diverse student groups, and the need to investigate indigenous pedagogical interventions. She urged researchers to focus on language rights by analyzing the activism of the Global South rather than following dominant models from the Global North.
Technology’s role in language education was another central theme. Discussions revolved around leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance digital literacy and incorporate social media platforms for language learning. The potential of foreign languages such as Arabic, Persian, Korean, and Chinese was also highlighted as an alternative to the dominant status of English. Integrating popular culture from these languages into classroom materials was proposed to make learning more engaging.

Furthermore, Professor Shaila Sultana emphasized the significance of spatial repertoire, semiotic resources, and multimodal communication in language learning. She advocated for curriculum reforms that integrate ICT in language education and address digital literacy needs. The symposium also brought attention to Second Language Acquisition (SLA) as a research domain and the necessity of studying communication disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and psycholinguistics. The discussion concluded with a call for holistic educational reforms that prioritize mental well-being among students, teachers, and parents. The importance of professional training for educators, sustainable assessment practices, and reflections on national language policies were also emphasized. The symposium successfully highlighted the pressing need for inclusive and innovative approaches in Applied Linguistics and ELT to address contemporary educational challenges in Bangladesh. The event was moderated by Dr. Abu Sufian, Assistant Professor at the Department of English, University of Asia Pacific.