A UNITED Nations-backed international treaty to preserve the rich diversity of the world’s means of cultural expression, including its many languages, will enter into force on 18 March. As examples of the kind of cultural consolidation threatened by globalization, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) notes that 50 per cent of the world languages are in danger of extinction and that 90 per cent of them are not represented on the Internet. Besides promoting diversity in those areas, the Convention seeks to reaffirm the links between culture, development and dialogue and to create a platform for international cooperation, including the creation of an international fund for cultural diversity.
Uphill struggle in Australia’s kindergarten
澳大利亚学龄前儿童英语水平堪忧
MORE than 25,000 five-year-olds, or 40 per cent of kindergarten enrolments across Australia, will start school this year unable to speak any English. Many of the children from families with a non-English-speaking background have little or no English language skills before they start school. The issue has become acute in large areas of Sydney and other cities across the country. President of the Primary Principals’ Association Geoff Scott said that federal funding of the English as a second language programme was “inadequate”.
Final Harry exciting future readers in the UK
《哈利·波特》系列第七部名列亚马逊畅销书榜首
THE seventh and final episode of the Harry Potter series ? “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” ? has made it to the top spot on the book chart of Amazon’s British Web site. The news comes eight hours after customers were allowed to reserve a copy with the online retailer. J.K. Rowling announced the title recently, but a publication date has not yet been set for the book. Rowling hinted that two characters are expected to die in the finale and Harry himself might not survive. The book is expected to break all previous records. Britain’s postal services are actively preparing for the launch of the final book of Harry Potter series.
