Save Croatian Studies at Macquarie University - WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW!

Who is impacted?

Macquarie University (MQ) are proposing to eliminate the teaching of five common European languages after 2023 including Croatian, Italian, German, Modern Greek and Russian. This is based on COVID era enrolment numbers (2020 to 2022) which is not a fair indicator! These are languages that are commonly used in multicultural activities, various industries and translations in Australia. It is proposed that students will be limited to four language options (Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish).

The Croatian language has been an integral part of the Macquarie University community for over 40 years. The Croatian Studies Centre (CSC) was established by the Croatian Studies Foundation within the School of Modern Languages at Sydney’s Macquarie University in 1994 . A rich history has been established, and its given many people the opportunity to obtain Diplomas, Bachelor Majors, and PhDs related to the study of Croatian language and culture.

The significant efforts of the Croatian community are acknowledged by the consistent support provided to this program, which has made it possible for it to continue for the length of time it has at Macquarie University. We can't let that end now, especially after everything our country and community has been through over the last 40 years.

What is at stake?

It means that all Australians, including second, third and fourth generation European family members won't have the opportunity to learn a common European language used in Australia and in Europe. Australian's can't possibly be limited to the option of learning only four languages at MQ. Global Studies is the future but you can't learn this without knowing the language and culture of common European nations.

It means that the wealth of community engagement developed over time will be lost. It's not easy to re-start such a program once it's gone. The Croatian language has been taught at MQ for over 40 years and was in fact celebrated this year at MQ and supported by MQ. There is also the fabulous and comprehensive library of Croatian publications and books located at MQ which provides an important archive facility.

Macquarie University is the only institution that provides a Diploma of Languages in all of Australia. The removal of this course will deny future generations who want to learn the language and obtain a formal qualification. It will have a significant impact on our cultural identity in a very multicultural country such as Australia, as well as an evolving global world and European Community.

Why is now the time to act?

Macquarie University are planning to restructure their Language and Culture programs and eliminate 5 languages and the Diploma of Languages altogether starting next year. This is based on COVID era enrolment numbers (2020 to 2022) which is not a fair indicator of interest in language learning in the future.

We need to let MQ know that it's important that they continue to offer language learning for a variety of European languages which are vital to maintaining Australia's multicultural society. MQ - please don't use COVID era enrolment numbers as a reason to cancel these languages!

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Petition is to: Professor Chris Dixon (Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University)