Description
In today’s world, particularly in Europe, speaking more than one language is necessary.
Human migrations, trips, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to participate in different kinds of projects are just some of the many reasons why people may need to communicate in a language different from their native one.
Society requires us to be multilingual or at least bilingual. This is something that the people in Amsterdam understood from the beginning and managed to thrive at.
This course will explore the Language Landscape of Amsterdam to introduce participants to the multifaceted nature of using many languages and multiculturalism in education.
The aim is to equip participants with practical insights and strategies to embrace linguistic diversity in their own educational and social contexts.
Participants will delve into the historical reasons behind Amsterdam’s unique Language Landscape, analyze the coexistence of multiple languages beyond Dutch and English, and understand the dynamics of language usage in a multicultural urban environment, including its reasons and consequences.
Furthermore, participants will engage in a combination of theoretical learning, interactive activities, and field observations. They will explore the history of Amsterdam, focusing on themes such as colonialism, international workforce dynamics, and the city’s emphasis on tolerance.
Through this multifaceted approach, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that have shaped Amsterdam’s linguistic landscape and how these insights can be applied to their own educational settings.
By the end of the course, participants will return home with a heightened awareness and appreciation of linguistic diversity.
They will have gained practical strategies to foster a more inclusive environment, using language as a tool for cultural exchange and enhanced learning experiences.
Participants will be prepared to implement these strategies in their own classrooms, creating a more dynamic and inclusive educational atmosphere that celebrates and leverages linguistic diversity.
This course promises to provide participants with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate and embrace the linguistic and cultural complexities of today’s interconnected world.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to:
- Acquire theoretical and field knowledge of the language landscape of Amsterdam;
- Gain an understanding of the local culture and history, particularly in the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam;
- Become familiar with how local kids learn and use the language they communicate with;
- Reflect on possible strategies that can be implemented in their region.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools;
- What does it mean to be “bilingual”?;
- Different types of bilinguals.
Day 2 – History of the Dutch language
- Origins and influences;
- Grammar and vocabulary peculiarities;
- Language Landscape of Amsterdam: beyond Dutch and English.
Day 3 – History of Amsterdam
- Colonialism;
- Hiring international workforce;
- Tolerance.
Day 4 – Education
- Modern Foreign Languages;
- Languages during primary and secondary school;
- Informal education: media, friends and travel;
- University programs in English.
Day 5 – Reflection
- What strategies can be applied and implemented in the reality of your region?
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.