Description
To quote the Language Doctors “A learner’s understanding of the language and culture relationship is essential. Culture and language are inextricably linked. You can’t understand a culture without first learning a language.”
But that’s what so many schools are trying to do with their students. In the offer of most one can find English, French, Spanish, Italian… But how many offer Arabic, Chinese, Hindu, etc.?
Nonetheless, we ask our students to comprehend those cultures and their decisions through the ages.
This course will show teachers how to use even basic knowledge of a language to teach about the cultural variety and help in establishing communication across cultures.
And between generations too! Because what are emoticons and GIFs if not modern takes on writing systems using logograms?
All with the use of blended methodologies and tools varying from ICT and digital ones to arts and crafts.
Additionally, participants will be able to experience languages present in the city and with that in mind will learn how to use outdoor spaces to teach about cultures.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to understand how to:
- Use languages to teach about cultures and their heritage;
- Build confidence in language learners by using creative methodologies;
- Incorporate poetry and visual arts in their classes about languages, cultures, history, geography, and other subjects;
- Use cities as classrooms;
- Strengthen cross-cultural understanding and communication skills;
- Incorporate heritage education into a curriculum.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities.Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations;
- Presentations of participants, their schools, and the trainer.
Communication is everything
- An interactive introduction to the importance of communication and how to make it work across cultures.
Day 2 – Mapping cultures
- Exploring a cultural variety of the globe following the works of Erin Meyer;
- Practica exercise: (mind) mapping with the use of digital tools;
- Discussing cultural patterns in communication following the works of Richard D. Lewis;
- Practica exercise: creating infographics with the use of digital tools.
Day 3 – Asian cultures
- Discussing cultural patterns in communication following the works of Richard D. Lewis;
- Practical exercise: creating infographics with the use of digital tools.
Day 4- Islamic cultures
- Discussions and reflections on the world of Islam and languages present in it via poetry from various regions and calligraphy;
- Practical exercise: creating a one-page comic book inspired by Craig Thompson’s ‘Habibi’ or Marjane Starapi’s ‘Persepolis’.
Day 5 – False friends and your own plans
- Practical exercise: creating a short video about false friends in various languages;
- Practical exercise: designing your own lesson plans about languages and cultures;
- Sharing your work and discussions.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
