𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟏𝟏 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is pleased to highlight a recent international engagement aimed at advancing language preservation and revitalisation efforts for the Solomon Islands’ rich linguistic heritage.

On Thursday 19 June, the University of Melbourne’s Oceania Institute hosted a significant event titled “Building a Centre for Solomon Islands Languages”, led by Associate Professor Nick Thieberger. The event brought together linguists, academics, and community leaders—including members of the Solomon Islands Victoria Association—for a collaborative conversation focused on language, culture, and identity.

Mrs. Leonora Houma, Head of the Department of Language and Communication within the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH), shared her vision for the proposed Solomon Islands Language Centre (SILC). In a reflection shared on social media, community member Nancy Fugui praised Mrs. Houma’s contribution, stating, “Her passion for language, culture, and youth empowerment came through strongly in her presentation.”

Mrs. Houma maintained a full and productive schedule during her time in Melbourne. She met with colleagues from the University of Melbourne—including Associate Professors Nick Thieberger and Debra McDougall—to discuss practical steps toward developing a comprehensive stocktake and online platform for Solomon Islands language resources. She also engaged with scholars in the fields of linguistics, literacy education, and ethnomusicology, exchanging insights on community-based research and highlighting the urgent need to preserve the linguistic heritage of the Pacific.

Her recorded conversation with ABC Pacific Beat’s Agnes Tupou further spotlighted the initiative, focusing on the role of vernacular languages in education and national identity. The episode is available online at:
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/inquiry-finds-appointment-malimali-ethically-reprehensible/105416128

Following her visit to Melbourne, Mrs. Houma represented SINU at the 13th Conference on Oceanic Linguistics (COOL13), held from 23 to 27 June 2025 at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Hosted by ANU’s School of Culture, History and Language, the conference gathered world-renowned linguists, researchers, and cultural practitioners focused on the study and preservation of Oceanic languages.

Mrs. Houma delivered a presentation introducing SINU’s vision for establishing the Solomon Islands Language Centre (SILC)—a proposed national hub for documenting, preserving, promoting, and celebrating the country’s diverse linguistic heritage. Her address emphasised the urgent need for such an institution, particularly in light of the increasing vulnerability of many indigenous languages due to generational language shifts and limited formal support.

She outlined the Centre’s key goals, including collaborative research, resource development, community training, and policy engagement. The presentation also called for regional and international partnerships to support the Centre’s development and invited feedback from experts attending the conference—many of whom have led similar efforts across the Pacific.

SINU’s participation in COOL13 underscores its growing presence in the field of Oceanic linguistics and reaffirms its commitment to the preservation and revitalisation of Solomon Islands languages. Through these engagements, the University continues to build vital networks that contribute to safeguarding cultural identity across the Pacific.

SINU gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the University of Melbourne’s Oceania Institute, whose assistance enabled Mrs. Houma’s participation. Special thanks go to Associate Professor Debra McDougall and Associate Professor Nick Thieberger for their guidance and mentorship throughout the trip. Appreciation is also extended to the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) at SINU for their continued support.

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