From discussing her upbringing to outlining her use of multiple languages in her books, Olivia's fun and lively keynote will break down the need for not just literal translation but cultural and figurative interpretation, or code switchin, and includes tips and tricks on how to make students feel safe and welcome to speak, to ask for help, and to advocate for themselves as they navigate a new language.

Drawing on the experience and product of a nine-month collaborative project in the University of Oregon’s Linguistics Department, in which a free, open-access textbook, Learning How to Learn Languages, was developed by a team students guided by faculty mentorship, one project editor and author shares her lived experience and linguistic expertise to examine the concept of colonialingualism. and reflect on examples of how education and language remain an ongoing tool of colonization in many parts of the world, including the US. 

Breakout Sessions

A selection of practical, relevant breakout sessions, including:
 

• Guiding Principles for Bilingual Facilitators
• Real Scenarios and Dilemmas for Bilingual Facilitators
• What does the law say about interpretation and translation in schools? (Presented by Oregon Department of Education)
• Human Voice, Smart Tools: Using AI to support language work.
• Building a Supervision Community of Practice

And many more sessions tailored to language access professionals.

Attendees will receive a copy of Olivia Abtahi's multilingual book, The Interpreter.  In addition to her keynote, Olivia will be available for a meet and greet and book signing during lunch.