Mind Yer Tongue Breakfast Seminar

Business and community leaders in Strabane were amongst around 50 people who gathered last Thursday at a unique event aimed at raising the profile of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Strabane and Lifford area.

Those at the breakfast seminar, held at the Fir Trees Hotel, were told to “Mind Yer Tongue” by learning some phrases in other languages.

Seven different nationalities were represented at the event, including those from Poland, Hungary, India, Phillipines, Ireland, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The format of the event involved a host from a different nationality taking control of each table. Over the course of the breakfast, the participants were encouraged to ask questions about the other cultures, and to learn how to say commonly used phrases in their language, such as “hello,” “what is your name?” and “how can I help you?”

Organised by the Strabane and Lifford Development Commission, Strabane Ethnic Community Association and the Community Relations Council, the morning proved to be extremely successful with all in attendance in agreement that further exploration of cultural and linguistic diversity in the local area would be very worthwhile.

Speaking at the event, Donal Mac Lochlainn, Chairman of the Strabane Lifford Development Commission, said “The demographics of our community are changing as the last five to ten years have shown. Economic growth and mobility of labour means we truly do live in a global village. As a result our community must be able to adapt and welcome people from diverse backgrounds. This event is designed to highlight the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community and give delegates the chance to meet and learn from people from different cultural backgrounds. We hope the employers, community and statutory agencies attending the event will get an appreciation of the barriers faced by those from different cultural backgrounds and take steps to enhance access to employment and services.”

Bobby Rao, Development Officer with Strabane Ethnic Community Association, said “This is a unique project which encourages linguistic diversity and exchange with local people and the Ethnic Community Association is delighted to be involved.”

Source: Strabane Chronicle