UQ to host Brisbane session of global Russian language test

A Russian dictation test conducted simultaneously all over the world will take place at The University of Queensland to help Brisbane native and background Russian speakers determine the level of their native language skills.

The Total Dictation test, being held for the first time in Brisbane on Saturday, April 6, is an ideal opportunity for local residents to participate in an innovative global event.

The Brisbane test will be supervised by local organiser Ms Ekaterina Kamlovskaya and School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies Russian discipline coordinator Dr John McNair.

Dr McNair said about 50 people had already registered to take the test in Brisbane.

“It is often difficult for those living outside Russia to maintain their language and cultural connections, and the dictation test will provide an ideal opportunity for local Russian speakers to test their knowledge,” Dr McNair said.

“The test will be dictated from Russia and people interested in participating in Brisbane are invited to register for the UQ session. Participation will also be available on the internet for those unable to attend a designated venue.”

The Total Dictation test was designed by students at Novosibirsk State University in 2004 and has grown to include more than 20,000 people from more than 150 cities around the world (including the Russian Antarctic Expedition).

“After the event, the papers will be marked by an expert committee of linguists, teachers and academics and the results will be made available to participants online,” Dr McNair said.

“There will also be an opportunity to consult with an expert about any mistakes made and each participant will receive a certificate stating their literacy level.”

Information about Russian language educational opportunities at UQ will be available at the test venue.

Details of the Brisbane Total Dictation event: Date: Saturday 6 April Time: From 6pm, test will start at 7pm Venue: Room 214, Gordon Greenwood Building, Union Road, UQ St Lucia Campus

To register for the Brisbane session of the Total Dictation test contact Ms Ekaterina Kamlovskaya on kamlovskaya@gmail.com

Media and more information: Dr John McNair at 07 3365 3090, russian@uq.edu.au or Lynda Flower, School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies, 07 3365 6247, l.flower@uq.edu.au.