SBS competition encourages ECEC language learners to celebrate diversity

In a bid to encourage language learning and language retention in Australia, and in celebration of the United Nations’ International Year of Indigenous languages, SBS this week announced the launch of the SBS National Languages Competition 2019. 

Now in its fourth year, the nationwide competition is open to Australians of all ages, including preschool and middle childhood, who are learning a language, including English and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 

With five age groups, the competition may provide a platform for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to showcase the additional language learning programs happening in their services, including those who are participating in the ELLA program. 

SBS Director of Audio and Language Content Mandi Wicks said the competition was a proud event for SBS, noting that “language retention is linked to cultural identity and increases a sense of belonging in Australia.”

Ms Wicks said the broadcaster looked forward to “receiving thousands of beautiful stories of language learning, which reflect our cultural and linguistic diversity.” 

With an opening date of Monday 26 August, those interested have until Friday 27 September 2019 to submit their stories in either a written or drawn format answering the question: “How does learning a language make a world of difference to you?” 

Entrants will be placed into five age groupings: Junior Primary (Aged 4-7); Primary (Aged 8-12); Junior High School (Aged 13-15); Senior High School (Aged 16-18); Open (Aged 18+). 

Participants aged 4–12 are required to upload a drawing along with a short caption, while participants aged 13+ are required to submit a written entry (up to 100 words). 

Winners in each age group will receive an iPad Pro and AirPods, with submissions to be judged on clarity, creativity and uniqueness. Award winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in November 2019 to be held at SBS in Sydney. 

In addition, each Monday during the competition period, there will be a weekly random draw from the entries received, to win an Apple watch. 

The competition is supported by Community Languages Australia and First Languages Australia and sponsored by the Australian National University.