Macedonian language classes - Suggestions

[XRVOL]

I've come across some news quite a bit recently regarding the declining numbers of Macedonian students enrolled in "Maco School" Macedonian language classes.

As an idea, what if students had the option of enrolling and completing these courses online which would take some of the "burden" off parents and encourage them to teach their children Macedonian. If not totally online, perhaps partly, that way the kids get the benefit socialising with other Macedonian kids?

If technology permits us, why not take advantage of it?

Another possibility could be to interact with other students taking similar classes in other schools, interstate or overseas (Greece, with the help of the Educational and Cultural Organization of Voden etc).

I'm sure the AMHRC, Bilingual Action Group, MCCV, Vinozhito and others could achieve this.

Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

[EgejskaMakedonia]

This was actually discussed in a facebook group today. As a kid I attended maco school, but at that time (9am sat mornings) I didn't take full advantage of it. Looking back, that was a mistake.

The initiator of the discussion posted this link, which provides basic online learning in Macedonian.

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/

The main point raised was the lack of interest and classes particularly in the East of Melbourne. As he stated, the government has provided the Macedonian community with great opportunities in regards to language, yet there is a lack of response from Macedonians in the east in general.

I'll admit as a kid I wasn't that interested in waking up for a 6th day of school, but now I realise it's a real shame when you find yourself speaking broken maco and having to throw in English words.

[AMHRC]

I've come across some news quite a bit recently regarding the declining numbers of Macedonian students enrolled in "Maco School" Macedonian language classes.

As an idea, what if students had the option of enrolling and completing these courses online which would take some of the "burden" off parents and encourage them to teach their children Macedonian. If not totally online, perhaps partly, that way the kids get the benefit socialising with other Macedonian kids?

If technology permits us, why not take advantage of it?

Another possibility could be to interact with other students taking similar classes in other schools, interstate or overseas (Greece, with the help of the Educational and Cultural Organization of Voden etc).

I'm sure the AMHRC, Bilingual Action Group, MCCV, Vinozhito and others could achieve this.

Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

XRVOL,

It seems to us that what you are suggesting is worthy of consideration. However, first and foremost, it would be the job of the Macedonian Teacher's Association to develop something like this, assuming it is feasible.

[XRVOL]

XRVOL,

It seems to us that what you are suggesting is worthy of consideration. However, first and foremost, it would be the job of the Macedonian Teacher's Association to develop something like this, assuming it is feasible.

The Macedonian Teacher's Association...that's the one. Slipped my mind. Cheers.

I threw in AMHRC in regards to international support.

Sorry about the confusion.

[XRVOL]

This was actually discussed in a facebook group today. As a kid I attended maco school, but at that time (9am sat mornings) I didn't take full advantage of it. Looking back, that was a mistake.

The initiator of the discussion posted this link, which provides basic online learning in Macedonian.

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/

The main point raised was the lack of interest and classes particularly in the East of Melbourne. As he stated, the government has provided the Macedonian community with great opportunities in regards to language, yet there is a lack of response from Macedonians in the east in general.

I'll admit as a kid I wasn't that interested in waking up for a 6th day of school, but now I realise it's a real shame when you find yourself speaking broken maco and having to throw in English words.

It shouldn't be too hard to set up and promote, EM. Where about in the East was it? Noble Park/Springvale?

[EgejskaMakedonia]

The classes were in Box Hill. This was over 6-7 years ago at least.

[machorot]

In NSW we have 6 Macedonian language schools... (62 Greek schools, 57 Arabic schools)

They are run by not-for-profit, incorporated community organisations, whom can apply for initial start up grants of $2500, as well as Establishment, Per Capita and Specific Project grants.

If only the millions spent on the church dispute was spent on macedonian community programs.....

for more info see - https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/what-we-o...nity-languages

[George S.]

i remember years ago they had saturday schools. etc.

[Bill77]

I hear Epping secondary collage (Melbourne) has a Macedonian class as part of there curriculum. Great school.

[XRVOL]

I hear Epping secondary collage (Melbourne) has a Macedonian class as part of there curriculum. Great school.

I heard in Lalor (i think) that some non-Macedonian subjects are taught in Macedonian.

[Coolski]

I went to Macedonian Saturday School in NSW, and it was extremely beneficial. It was beneficial for a number of reasons. Beyond being able to read and write in Macedonian as a result of the courses, I found that the specific tasks and topics that we covered broadened my confidence in discussing more detailed topics with specific vocabulary. This is not something that happens normally in the average Macedonian household in Australia, in that our use of Macedonian in the home is not strict, switching to english for more specific words, especially relating to our professions and topics outside of family life.

Learning grammatical features allowed me to correct and recognise some of the errors i was making (even when speaking in my dialect), which was very handy and confidence-building when speaking Macedonian to strangers/family. It has also made it much easier for me to learn other foreign languages.

It was also nice from a social aspect, having a different group of Macedonian friends, many of which were from mixed ages given the classes were split into sub groups.

I also gained my first understanding of recent Macedonian history, given some of our study topics and literature related to medieval, ottoman and recent Macedonian periods. Unfortunately not many adults, let alone kids know much about Macedonian history.

When I was studying (10 years ago) we were a tiny class, and now i understand it's a similar story. I don't understand why parents would not encourage their kids to attend. Many of these parents are also illiterate in Macedonian (many having been born and raised here in AU), so they should understand the importance more than anyone.

Another point is that places with large Macedonian communities often have Macedonian football clubs, which often play matches on saturday mornings. Had the classes been held at another time I think there would be higher chances of more students attending. I used to do both, sometimes leaving Maco school early for matches, but most chose to only play soccer and take that seriously.

I'd really like to see a concentrated effort to encourage students and parents regarding learning Macedonian.