CLaSIC 2010, the Centre for Language Studies (CLS) International Conference, began today bringing together nearly 200 participants from the Asia-Pacific, Middle-East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Conference Chair Dr Izumi Walker welcomed the many language researchers and practitioners for the three day conference focusing on ‘Individual Characterisitcs and Subjective Variables in Language Learning.’
The guest of honour was the FASS’ own Dean, Professor Brenda Yeoh who spoke on the ability of language to build bridges and open windows in our increasingly cosmopolitan world.
The CLS was commended for its commitment to both active research and teaching which together provide a strong academic platform for this 4th biennial conference.
The first of four keynote lectures was delivered by Professor Richard Schmidt of the Department of Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii who revisited his original ‘Noticing Hypothesis’ with particular attention given to learner characteristics such as aptitiutde, motivation and language learning history.
The three day conference continues at the Orchard Hotel until Saturday 4th December.