Recap of Prof. Gail Forey's Seminar Talk

Date: 19 February 2025 (Wednesday)

Time: 12:00 - 14:00  

Venue: Language Centre RLG104

 

Our department has just hosted an insightful talk by Professor Gail Forey, Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Bath, UK. 

 

Prof. Forey's topic is “Teachers, Language and Meaning Making”.

Below is her abstract: 

 

“In this talk, I reflect on the primary and critical role of language for fostering epistemic justice and meaning making. I discuss the role language plays in ensuring equitable access to knowledge and recognising diverse ways of knowing. Drawing on four interconnected research projects, I share findings that focus on language as a primary resource for meaning making in the workplace and educational contexts. I discuss and highlight how communicative practices shape inclusion, opportunity, and leadership in different settings. One key area I discuss is the importance of disciplinary literacy, which involves developing the specialized language skills needed to communicate effectively as a biologist, artist, or historian. Supporting teachers' professional learning to enhance their awareness of disciplinary literacy can foster language development and empower students across diverse educational contexts. Ultimately, this talk demonstrates how language functions as a bridge within education and the workplace to foster more just, inclusive, and successful futures.”

 

 

Prof. Forey has extensive research and publications in the areas of workplace discourse, systemic functional linguistics and language teaching.

 

 

We are very grateful to have this opportunity to learn from a leading expert in the field!

 

 

Thank you all for coming to this wonderful seminar and contributing to the discussion.

We look forward to seeing you all at our next seminar!

 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jenny Wan (ynwan@hksyu.edu).