MLTA NSW- Petition to stop Macquarie University discontinuing language courses

This is a tragedy. Google translate cannot convey true feelings behind words or subtleties of meaning.

A narrowing down of the languages offered will affect future generations. How sad that Macquarie is even considering this.

When you stop teaching a language you eradicate the possibility of that language to strive among others.

Language education is so important and must be continued

Languages are important.

I am a fourth year student studying International Studies and Law at Macquarie University and am currently signing this petition from Vienna, Austria, where I am studying in German thanks to the opportunities the Macquarie Language Department has afforded me. Furthermore, I am the third generation of Macquarie German students, going back to my grandmother in the 70s. The decision to discontinue the offered languages at Macquarie has taken away the opportunity from hundreds of others of students who could have benefited from learning a language as I have, as well as taking away one of the only opportunities in Sydney to learn a language from A1 to C1 level within three years. Reverse your decision and keep the best part of Macquarie University alive.

Languages are an important part of life. We use it in everyday life. EVERY language is important. It is like you are killing of a species if you do not allow a language to run. Stop looking at money and look at humanity.

Please retain these 5 languages at Macquarie University. We need diversity to be represented & supported by our community. Especially Italian & German. Look at Australia's recent history! And our migration. Invaluable for family and those interested & needing them for work or interest etc.

Please keep these languages flourishing. We owe it to our youth to showcase the important e and variety of world languages. We have to stop being insular and stop navel gazing.

Languages are important not only because people learn and get to really appreciate the language and culture of another country, but it really opens the mind by activating a completely different area of the brain. I studied Italian and I loved it. It should definitely stay!

I am a language teacher and I went to MQ. The study of languages is important to promote understanding of other cultures

Languages promote multiculturalism. The absence of teaching languages at a university is not only a stand against this integral part of our society but does not allow graduates of your university to reach their academic potential as global citizens. Please rethink your decision.

I am a language teacher in the north shore and my of my students go on to Macquarie, I know that continuing to learn languages is vital

This decision by Macquarie University will diminish Australia's strength and capacity. Monolingualism will make Australia a backwater.

save langauges

Learning another language is proven to develop empathy and understanding of other perspectives. These are crucial to move towards a more tolerant and peaceful world. Discontinuing languages courses is short sighted and a false economy.

I’m opposed to the axing of these languages at Macquarie university. A strong languages program in universities is so important to the cultural diversity and linguistic heritage of our society.

If I had a dollar for every student that has said to me "I wish I'd learnt Italian" I'd probably be a millionaire. Don't fall into the trap of the monolingual mindset, knowing a language is a gift for life and opens your world to new and wonderful experiences.

A short sighted response. language learning in Australia is undervalued to our detriment. Please allow opportunities for students to maintain and/or acquire a second language to allow them to reap the many rewards and advantages that language learning offers.

One language sets you in a corridor for life, another language opens the doors along the way. Let's work together to ensure that young Australians learn about other cultures, values, beliefs and perspectives towards a more peaceful world.