The article has now been published, with modifications, in the online newspaper ‘The Thesis Whisperer’.

“For a couple of years I helped to run a course called “Contemporary Issues in Sociological Research” which was designed to provide an ‘authentic’ research experience for third-year undergraduate students in the social sciences. While we had no doubt the unit offered a valuable and even transformative experience for the majority of students who completed, there were some real challenges to teaching it. Some of the brightest students had difficulties in making the transition from one mode of learning (course work) to another (research)…”

Read the full article.

A member of the Monash family for 6 years, Professor Sharifian is the Director of The Language and Society Centre, Faculty of Arts at Monash. He established the ‘English as an International Language’ Program, a program which teaches intercultural and international communication, and is the first of its kind in the world. Professor Sharifian has published numerous articles, and in his recent book,Cultural Conceptualisations and Language: Theoretical Framework and Applications (2011, John Benjamins) outlined a theoretical model to underpin the relationship between language, culture, and conceptualisation. This model has already been adopted by many projects around the world.

“In a sense I have been researching my own life experiences as a migrant to Australia.” Professor Sharifian’s interest in intercultural communication arose from experiencing first-hand how enriching this experience is, as well as how differences in cultural norms and expectations can lead to miscommunication. “Intercultural communication is increasingly the experience of many people around the globe, as more and more people from various cultural and national backgrounds come together to live and work as ’international citizens’.”

The study of intercultural communication – exploring the relationship between language and culture – has far-reaching benefits. Differing expectations when it comes to communication are not as obvious as the differences in outward appearance between groups from different backgrounds. This means they are more subject to misinterpretation and misunderstanding.

Professor Sharifian believes studies in intercultural communication can also contribute significantly in the international political arena. “There are so many misunderstandings in international political discourse, often due to misinterpretations arising from speeches which have been poorly translated into English. Here research findings in intercultural communication could significantly contribute not just at the level of improving human life and daily interactions, but for international peace-building efforts and global understandings. I feel strongly that much more work needs to be done in this area.”

“I am continually struck by how the microcosm that is Monash University reflects the multicultural nature of the Australian community at large. This is why I believe Monash University is uniquely placed to be at the forefront of intercultural communication research.”

His burning desire to see the study of intercultural communication grow ever stronger at Monash has been the impetus for Farzad to set up the Farzad Sharifian Scholarship in the Field of Intercultural Communication, specifically for international PhD students studying at Monash. Across the board, there are scarce scholarships for international students. Quite a few of these students come from countries whose governments cannot afford to support them in their studies.

While spearheading his mentor’s Michael Clyne’s Scholarship Fund, Professor Farzad happened to chat to a staff member from Monash’s Advancement Unit about being inspired by Michael’s generosity of spirit towards students and future research.

“There may be other people, including staff members, out there who would like to donate something to future generations, but don’t know where to start. It’s easy to associate philanthropy with ‘being rich’ – which of course cuts academics out – but actually all of us can make the University a beneficiary of our Will.”

“From the final contract signing one sentence was so precious to me and has stuck with me – “This is our promise to you, that we will fulfil your wish.” I was convinced then that I had made the best decision. I look at my contribution as continuance of my life’s work that will see Monash’s international reputation for groundbreaking research continue for years to come.”

Dean of Arts, Professor Rae Frances, is thrilled with Professor Sharifian’s gift. “Staff have such an innate appreciation of what a gift like this can do in a university; towards education and excellence. We are indeed lucky to have such inspiring, generous people here at Monash.”

To learn more about making a personal gift and to discuss your opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Monash students in this way, contact Preema Wong from the Donor Relations team on 03 9903 4609 or email preema.wong@monash.edu. There are a number of ways to make a donation to the University and Preema would be pleased to discuss these with you.

To discover more about the fascinating field of intercultural communication, be sure to check out:

• Professor Sharifian public lecture on Intercultural Communication in the New Era (2010)
• Professor Sharifian’s Inaugural Professorial Lecture
• 23 – 25 November 2011 – for the first time held in Australia, the International Association for World Englishes Annual Conference
• Professor Sharifian’s staff profile.

In Other Words

Date: Friday, 26/8/11

Panelists

• Lilit Thwaites
• Chris Andrews (Roberto Bolaño)
• Eliot Weinberger (Octavio Paz)
• Maureen Freely (Orhan Pamuk)

Population Control

Date: Sunday, 2/9/11

Panelists:

• Bernard Salt (The Big Tilt)
• Katharine Betts (People and Place)
• George Megalogenis (the Australian)
• Sally Warhaft

Poetry with David Morley

Date: Saturday, 3/9/11

Panelist:

• David Morley

The Morning Read

Date: Sunday, 4/9/11

Panelists:

• Chris Flynn
• Craig Cliff
• David Morley
• Hannah Jane Walker
• Ouyang Yu
• Félix J. Palma

Verge — The Unknowable

Date: Sunday, 4/9/11

NB Magazine launch — free, no booking required.

For more information about these sessions please see the entry in our Events Blog or the Melbourne Writers’ Festival Website.