SBS Press Release:
Celebrating Australia’s increasing cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity, SBS today launches the SBS National Languages Competition 2018 - a nationwide initiative to inspire and encourage language learning and retention. In its third year, the competition is expanding to engage Australians of all ages who are learning a language, including English and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
SBS Director of Audio Language and Content, Mandi Wicks, said: “SBS is the world’s most linguistically diverse public broadcaster. In addition to the nearly five million* Australians speaking a language other than English at home, we know many people engage with our services to help with language retention or to learn a new language.
“SBS Radio is proud to once again launch this fantastic competition, which for the first time includes English as an eligible language, and engages all ages (including adult learners) in recognising the importance of language retention and learning. We are encouraging everyone to get involved and look forward to receiving thousands of inspirational stories from across the country.”
Participants are required to submit a photo or drawing showcasing “what amazing possibilities learning a language opens for you?” accompanied by a caption in the language of their choice and an English translation. Entries can vary, from a picture of an individual, to a place or an activity, and for the first time, entries will be accepted from groups as well as individuals. Entries can be submitted online at sbs.com.au/nlc18 from today, Monday 15 October until Sunday 18 November, 2018, and winners will be selected based on their uniqueness and creativity.
Throughout the entry period, photo submissions will build into a mosaic of the map of Australia in real time and entries will be sharable across social media platforms.
Entrants will be categorised into five groups: Junior Primary (Aged 4 – 7); Primary (Aged 8 – 12); Junior High School (Aged 13 – 15); Senior High School (Aged 16 – 18); Open Category (18+). There are five prizes, one winner from each age category, who will each receive an iPad Pro for themselves and one for their school or learning institution. The winners, along with one guardian, will also be invited to an Awards Ceremony to be held at SBS in Sydney.
The SBS National Languages Competition 2018 is sponsored by the Australian National University and supported by Community Languages Australia.
