Lovers of foreign languages and cultures will be offered an international feast when the University of Queensland opens its doors for a free public event, Expo Uni, from noon to 5pm on May 17 and 18.
Expo Uni, which showcases the University's teaching and research, will include many language activities.
- Expo visitors can tune into a multitude of international satellite programs including Beijing news bulletins and Spanish dramas. The display of satellite programs in Chinese, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Indonesian will be shown on eight television monitors at the Centre for Language Teaching and Research. The Centre's new Multimedia laboratory will also display the latest in language teaching technology.
- Romance Languages Department displays will include a French Internet connection.
- In the Asian Languages and Studies Department, visitors can see a Japanese cooking demonstration, have their names written in Asian script, visit an Asian games corner and see Japanese conference interpreting in action on May 17 from 2 to 2.30pm and on May 18 from 3pm to 3.30pm.
- An Asian pursuit quiz involving 17 high schools will be held on May 17 from 2-3pm and May 18 from 1-2pm. An Indonesian play competition will also be held both days. The Department will have information on courses in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Indonesian.
- The German and Russian Studies Department will have information about both languages and careers in its display. The Department will show photos and documents from the Russian Archive and hold a talk: Who was St Vladimir? by Emeritus Professor Boris Christa. Appropriately, visitors can meet Professor Christa at the statue of St Vladimir, corner Macgregor Drive and College Road, St Lucia (near the CityCat entrance to the University) on May 17 and May 18 at 3-3.30pm.
- Physical theatre group Zen Zen Zo will perform excerpts from Macbeth . Some members are masters students in the English Department, and trained in the Japanese theatre styles - Butoh and the Suzuki method.
According to organising committee chair Dr Lisa Gaffney, the University of Queensland's Great Court will be a central focus of activity, complementing the many departmental displays located throughout the campus.
'We want the public to know that the University is an exciting, accessible and friendly place,' she said.
Free Expo Uni parking will be available, including undercover parking in the multi-level car parks on Sir Fred Schonell Drive, St Lucia. Bus and CityCat access is also available.
