SBS Invites Australians to Participate in National Language Competition 2018

For the third year, SBS Broadcasting System has launched the SBS National Languages Competition 2018 to celebrate Australia’s increasing cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity.

The competition is 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 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,” stated SBS Director of Audio Language and Content, Mandi Wicks.

“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,” Wicks added.

All participants have to do is to submit a photo or drawing showcasing “What amazing possibilities does learning a language open for you?” with a caption in the language of their choice and an English translation. It can be a picture of an individual, a place or an activity.

Entries will be accepted from groups as well as individuals and can be submitted online at sbs.com.au/nlc18 until Sunday November, 18, 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.

Participants will be divided in 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.

Last year, Eirini Vergaki from the Greek Community of Melbourne‘s (GCM) Language and Culture School was awarded the first prize in the category of ‘Primary Aged 8 – 12’.

The SBS National Languages Competition 2018 is sponsored by the Australian National University and supported by Community Languages Australia.