BIL bulletin: October 2023

BIL Chinese Cultural Booth Has Attracted Many Students to Participate in the Cultural Exchange Programme

Faculty members of BRAC Institute of Lanugages prepared a Chinese cultural exhibition booth and participated in a cultural exchange event jointly organised by BUCLC (BRAC University Communication & Language Club) and BUMC (BRAC University Multicultural Club) recently.

Students got to see exquisite Chinese traditional gifts at the Chinese cultural exhibition booth, and participants had the opportunity to taste the delicious dumplings of China. Teachers and students also enthusiastically participated in Chinese games.

Students Visiting Chinese Cultural Exhibition Booth in the Early Morning

The Chinese cultural booth was given support by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. Mr.Yue Liwen, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, also the stall at BRAC University. He encouraged students to work hard to learn Chinese, successfully take the HSK Test, and win scholarships in order to study in China.

[From L-R] Senior Manager Government Liaison Md Moshiar Rahman, BIL Chinese Teacher Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, special guest Miss Chen, Chinese Embassy’s Cultural Counselor, Mr Yue Liwen, and BIL Chinese teacher Mr. Qing Shan Huang

During the Programme, the Senior Director of BIL Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed had a meeting with Mr. Yue Liwen. Both sides expressed their intention to create opportunities for cooperation in the future, strengthening the connection between both sides, anticipating BRAC University’s imminent move to the new campus.

Senior Director Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed with Chinese Embassy’s Cultural Counselor Mr Yue Liwen

Research Paper Publication by BIL Faculty Members

BIL faculty members Evita Umama Amin and Abdul Karim published a research paper titled ‘Language ideology, development of English proficiency, and performance in professional communication: voices of STEM+business graduates of English medium university' in the ‘Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education’ in September 2023.

This research aims to explore STEM and Business graduates' language beliefs in connection to English medium instruction (EMI) as well as how they perceive EMI's involvement in English proficiency growth. It also seeks to demonstrate the level to which EMI education might have aid job potential and compliance with business communication requirements in this field.

BIL Faculty wins Prestigious ‘NUP Presidential Scholarship’

In a significant development, Imam Zafar Numanee, a distinguished faculty member at BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), has been honoured with the highly prestigious ‘NUP Presidential Scholarship’ for advanced studies in Applied Linguistics at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NUP) in China. This scholarship marks a remarkable recognition of Mr. Numanee’s outstanding contributions to the field of linguistics and underscores BRAC University’s commitment to Academic excellence and global engagement.

The NUP Presidential Scholarship is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing the understanding of linguistics. It is a highly sought-after scholarship awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential and dedication in their chosen field.

Imam Zafar Numanee will embark on this remarkable academic journey at Northwestern Polytechnical University, one of China’s leading institutions known for its excellence in research and education. This opportunity will not only further Mr. Numanee’s academic pursuits but will also strengthen academic ties between BRAC University and NUP, facilitating greater collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Senior Lecturer,  Imam Zafar Numanee at Northwestern Polytechnic University, China

TOT Program Conducted by BIL Faculty Members for English Language Learners

BIL faculty members conducted TOT (Training of Trainers) for the English Language Instructors of Her Power Project from 02 October 2023 to 05 October 2023. Her Power Project (HPP) is an active initiative of the Bangladesh government’s ICT division focusing on women's empowerment through the ICT frontier initiative. HPP works to bridge the gender digital divide in Bangladesh by providing women with access to technology, training, and employment opportunities.

To achieve its goal, the HPP has recently developed training manuals for five different IT service providers. This project emphasized developing the women IT learners' English language skills to enhance the learners’ employability. Among the faculty members, Mr. Mohammad Aminul Islam, Mr. Md Mahbubul Islam, Mr. Md. Abu Sufian, Senior lecturers and Mr. Md. Julhas Uddin, Lecturer conducted the sessions for English language instructors.

BIL Faculty Members with English Language Instructors

BIL Senior Lecturer, Md. Aminul Islam with English Language Instructors