As the African Union has declared 2006 the Year of African Language! we celebrate this affirmation with renowned international scholars, educators, and policy-makers who are gathering at Teachers College, Columbia University to share educational visions and design in language and literacy education associated with speakers of various African languages as well as speakers of Creole languages and African American English.

Based on the theme of paradigms, practices and politics of language in education, the three-day symposium combines theoretical presentations with educational development sessions and roundtable discussions among educators, policymakers, and language scholars. The symposium highlights a different language group each day, beginning with an exploration of the cultural, historical, and linguistic roots of African language, education, and policy on the African continent as well as in the United States. The second day focuses on Creole-speaking regions, investigating the interface between language, education, and policy, and the third day turns to the sociolinguistic situation in the United States, this time addressing these questions for speakers of African American English.

Teachers College invites the participation of professionals and students alike who are eager to engage in the theoretical, pedagogical, and political concerns of African and Diasporic languages and education.

The Center for Educational Outreach & Innovation
Teachers College, Columbia University
Box 132
525 West 120 Street
New York, New York 10027 http://www.tc.edu/ceoi/multiplelanguages