Harriet Sheppard
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harrietsheppard.bsky.social
Harriet Sheppard
@harrietsheppard.bsky.social
300 followers 350 following 19 posts
Non-Indigenous linguist based in the South Pacific. Oceanic languages. she/her/sie/ella/iya
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ON NOW: USP Linguistics Language Matters in the Pacific seminar. Today our expert panel will be discussing the topic of Ocean Literacy. See alt text for the zoom link.
Date/Time: Wednesday 1 October 4.00-6.00pm (Fiji time) Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/81334378027?pwd=b2nvbaWuHxKjtx0rqH0kdRSKfUxx2O.1 Passcode: gZ6*qBVY3 Panellists: Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, USP) Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC) Mr Eliki Drugunalevu (Technical Editor and Digital Communications Officer, Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), USP) Ms Momoyo Scotty (PhD student in Political and International Affairs, USP) Moderator: Ms Lavenie Tawake (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP) Abstract: At the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Niue (the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting), Ministers reaffirmed the importance of Ocean Literacy, recognising the connections between the ocean, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge. The meeting also recognised the need for a whole-of-government / whole-of-society approach in order to move forward. Our next webinar in the Language Matters in the Pacific series brings together four expert panellists from across the region to discuss this outcome. We ask what does ‘ocean literacy’ mean? How do we connect concerns about oceans with these other concerns about languages, cultures and traditional knowledge? And what practical steps are needed in order to see meaningful action?
October 1, 2025 at 3:56 AM
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USP Linguistics’ Language Matters in the Pacific seminar this Wed (3 Sept), 4pm Fiji time. We will be hear from panelists working on community-based initiatives that support language revitalization, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy & the creation of language resources in #Oceania
Date/Time Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-6pm Fiji time Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/82801972025?pwd=HDDHtorGyJQVUKJe1KM3Dovk5WZfTp.1 Passcode: &d2vuKUA* Title: Multilingualism and Multiliteracies: Walking the Talk Abstract: In the previous webinar in this series, we heard about the high-level commitments from the Council of Pacific Education Ministers to embed Pacific languages and culture throughout mainstream education across the region. In this webinar, we bring together five panellists who are walking the talk in this space. They work on a range of community-based initiatives that support language revitalisation, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy, and the creation of language resources. Panelists: Heti Veikune (Fellow in Curriculum & Literacy, Institute of Education, USP) Margareth Saumore (Director and Founder, Multilingual and Professional Education Services Association (MAPESA), Solomon Islands) James Uri-Puati (Language Consultant, Cook Islands) Edmund Vurobaravu (Primary Curriculum Coordinator, Vanuatu Curriculum Development Unit) Ikelau Misech (PIDP Research Intern and Palauan Language Consultant at the Department of Linguistics, University of Mānoa) Moderator: Hancy Joy Mahuri (MA Applied Linguistics student, USP)
September 1, 2025 at 10:33 PM
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The next USP linguistics Language matters in the Pacific seminar will be later today (Wed 13 Aug) 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing Pacific Identity, culture, arts and languages as priority for education. All welcome. Link: bit.ly/USPlingAug
Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time) Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83206137598?pwd=w1eCNbSuKD0ftbBqi7RGzsaHuXLwU3.1 Passcode: #EeA33xbS Abstract: At the 2023 meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers in Auckland, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery’. Two years later, in Port Moresby, Ministers reaffirmed this commitment by adopting Pacific identity, culture, arts and languages as a standing agenda item for their biennial meetings. This panel brings together experienced educators from across the region who have played significant roles in the work that has led to this point, through their leadership, advocacy, scholarship and collaboration. They reflect on the journey that has led to Ministers taking this stand, and they share their perspectives on what needs to happen next to ensure that this strong vision turns into concrete action. Panellists: • Associate Prof Seu'ula Johansson-Fua (Director Institute of Education and Acting Head of the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education, USP) • Associate Prof Frances Koya-Vaka'uta (Team Leader – Culture for Development, SPC) • Mr Wayne Mendiola (Assistant Secretary, FSM Department of Education and Chair of Pacific Heads of Education, PHES) • Associate Prof Kabini Sanga (School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington) • Ms Birtha Lisimoni Togahai (Former Director, Niue Department of Education) Moderator: Ms Tupou Ratuva Singh (PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics, USP)
August 12, 2025 at 11:55 PM
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On in just over an hour: Language Matters in the Pacific Seminar 4-6pm Fiji time/2-4pm AEST. The panel will be discussing ‘Language and conservation in Oceania’. All welcome! #UniSouthPacific
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84626453735?pwd=G6NRhbraRmB9Q7R9NaNll75saHPNDK.1 Passcode: %8URmXGVj The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) affirms the fundamental relationship between Indigenous languages and conservation. Output 7 of the Decade’s Global Action Plan focuses on establishing an “Enabling environment […] for Indigenous languages thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate change adaption and mitigation, ecosystems management, land restoration, improving the marine and coastal environment, reducing natural hazards, preventing pollution and managing water resources.” In Oceania, the planet's most linguistically rich region, languages and cultural diversity are essential to just, effective and lasting conservation. Currently though, with English and French the dominant languages of conservation policy and programming, it is not always clear how an ‘enabling environment’ for the richness and diversity of and within Indigenous languages is being fostered. The panel discussion will explore this question for examples of work taking place in different parts of Oceania. Panellists: Dr Ramari Oliphant Steward (Aotearoa), Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago (Samoa), Ann Singeo (Palau), Salanieta Kitolelei (Fiji) and Captain Aunofo Havea Funaki (Tonga). Moderator: Maca Stephens (USP, Fiji)
May 21, 2025 at 2:26 AM
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The first Language matters in the Pacific seminar of the year is on next week (Wed 9 Apr), 4pm Fiji Time/2pm AEST. The expert panel will be discussing ‘the language challenge in global climate frameworks’ #UniSouthPacific #PacificLanguages #linguistics All welcome, link: bit.ly/USPLing
Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. The language challenge in global climate frameworks. Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84690175781?pwd=aLPxJazD724jstAVlvudeDlUtO8ah8.1 Passcode: F4eW!hG8a Panellists: Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC. Salā Dr. George Carter, Deputy Head of Department of Pacific Affairs and Director of Pacific Institute, ANU. Ms Patricia Mallam (Knowledge Broker, Intra-ACP ClimSA. Mr Siosiua Veikune (Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change). Dr Zina Bird (Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Moderator: Dr Tolu Muliaina (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Abstract: This panel will discuss why language matters in global climate frameworks, especially when ensuring that there is a meaningful connection between global conversations and local realities. In light of annual climate negotiations (COP) and forthcoming advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on state responsibilities regarding climate change, questions are often raised about what actually happens in these high-level spaces and how sending delegations overseas benefits the communities who are experiencing climate change impacts on the ground. This panel discussion will consider how high-level discourse is intended to translate into action; how minor adjustments to policy wording can have material impacts on the level of ambition and buy-in from different actors; whether some groups are starting on an uneven playing field if international outcomes are negotiated through languages such as English; and how the stories told by and about Pacific communities impact the climate conversations. These questions will be considered by panellists from across the region who have first-hand experience both attending high-level international events and working more locally to engage with their own communities.
March 31, 2025 at 10:36 PM
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The final University of the South Pacific Linguistics seminar of the year is on next Wed 9 October 4pm Fiji Time/3pm AEDT online. The panel will discuss ‘Passing on our traditional knowledge to the next generation: the language connection’. All welcome! Link: bit.ly/3XS1KOX
Abstract: This panel will discuss the importance of our languages for traditional or indigenous knowledge. This refers to the names and descriptions that we use when talking about our natural resources, historical sites and traditional skills. We need to be aware of these knowledge systems so that we can transmit them to the younger generations for the safeguarding of our future, whether through schooling, or community-based activities, or national and regional strategies. In this seminar we will learn from researchers and practitioners from across the region sharing their experiences and drawing connections between language and knowledge systems. The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), 2022-2032, has shone a global spotlight on the role of languages in cultural sustainability, and this panel discussion is an opportunity to reflect on this topic from a Pacific perspective. Link: https://bit.ly/3XS1KOX Passcode: CJ3Avu$vk
October 3, 2024 at 11:29 PM
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The second seminar in the Languages Matters in the Pacific seminar series, organised by Linguistics at #UniSouthPacific, is on this Wed: How do we embed Pacific Languages throughout mainstream education? All welcome! 4 Sept, 4-6pm (Fiji time)/2pm AEST. Zoom: usp-fj.zoom.us/j/8932338985...
Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. How do we embed Pacific languages throughout mainstream education. Wed. 4 Sept. 2024, 4-6pm (Fiji time). Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP linguistics Zoom link: https://usp fj.zoom.us/j/89323389854?pwd=6uHU2cGWblyxDUhvkoli0JWS7dDbz4.1 passcode: @FU#b4qEc Panel: Ms Elaine Lameta, Ms Lanelle Tanangada, Ms Helen Tamtam, Ms Ariteti Botibara, Ms Aiusnlie Chu Ling-So'o. Moderator Ms Heti Veikune. Abstract: At the meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery'. This panel discussion brings together experienced educators and policymakers from across the region to discuss what this priority might mean in practice.
September 1, 2024 at 10:41 PM