|
July 2006 |
Localisation Research Centre (LRC) – South Africa
South Africa’s largest university and one of the largest distance universities in the world, the University of South Africa (Unisa), and the University of Limerick’s Localisation Research Centre (LRC) announce their intention to establish closer links between the two institutions to promote internationalisation and localisation–related research and teaching.
|
|
Dr Kim Wallmach, of the Department of Linguistics, College of Human Sciences at the University of South Africa
(Unisa), and Reinhard Schäler, Director of the LOCALISATION RESEARCH CENTRE
(LRC) at the UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK, IRELAND, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Second Conference of the International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
The two organisation are planning joint research projects, staff exchanges and joint funding applications. In addition, the agreement covers the establishment of a mirror site of the LRC’s Localisation Technology Laboratory and Showcase (LOTS), the holding of LRC – South Africa events and training courses, and the initiation of joint research projects in the area of internationalisation and localisation.
|
 |
“The LRC is particularly proud to be so closely associated with Unisa as it is not only one of the world’s largest distance universities, but also probably the most active university in Africa in the field of localisation and
internationalisation. Africa needs to be included in the digital knowledge society and the digital knowledge society needs Africa’s rich cultural, linguistic, and economic knowledge”, said Reinhard Schäler, Director of the LRC at the University of Limerick.
Dr Wallmach of Unisa said “South Africa alone has 11 official languages, with English ranking fifth as a mother tongue. Only 22% of South Africans fully understand English and there is not only a legal obligation, but also a social responsibility to make digital content available to South Africans in their own language. We are very excited about our plans to collaborate with the LRC at the University of Limerick and are already about to set up a satellite version of their Localisation Tools and Technology Laboratory (LOTS) for our students.”
About the University of South Africa (Unisa)
Unisa is Africa’s premier distance learning institution. It is a reputable, comprehensive, flexible and accessible open distance learning institution. It offers internationally accredited qualifications and has world-class resources that inspire learners to create meaningful futures on their own terms. The College of Human Sciences at Unisa is involved in the education and training of Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Language and Literary Studies, Religion and Theology, offering a broad spectrum of courses from Archaeology to Psychology.
Unisa’s vision, “Towards the African university in the service of humanity” drives it to find answers to Africa’s education and developmental problems. By forming partnerships both in Africa and throughout the world, Unisa is able to help the people of Africa achieve their dreams.
For more information visit http://www.Unisa.ac.za/
About the Localisation Research Centre (LRC)
The LRC at UL is the focal point and the research and educational centre for the localisation community. The LRC has become the focus point – at national and international level – for both those involved in the localisation industry and those requiring information about it. Indigenous and overseas companies, government departments and agencies, researchers and students, the media and international consultancy firms, and the European Commission regularly contact the centre when they require reliable and independent industry information. The LRC was established in 1995 with the support of Irish government agencies and has a 20 person strong Industrial Advisory Board.
For more information visit www.localisation.ie
Photo shows Alet Kruger & Kim Wallmach of Unisa and Reinhard Schäler of the LRC at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 13 July 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa.
|
|
|
