Today we had a taster Japanese lesson and discussed similarities and differences between languages. We saw some languages lay more emphasis on precision, some on clarity, some on elegance, still others on issues of respect and social hierarchy. Not only is the vocabulary different, but the way each language is put together is unique. So as a language experiment we worked in small groups and chose our language priorities. We then communicated the following message in a language invented to reflect those priorities:
My name is .....
I am ... years old
My school is Woldingham
Listen to the recordings above and see what you think. Can you hear similarities to languages you know? Can you spot patterns? Are they pleasing to the ear? Obviously languages evolve over centuries, even millenia, but speeding the process up a bit was an interesting experience.
Showing posts with label languages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label languages. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
Session Four
1. Language taster lesson (Japanese or Russian)
2. Brief discussion: describe your feelings when learning something completely new. What is it like to learn alongside staff learners? What thinking skills are required when learning another language? What similarities/differences are there between the new language and your mother tongue?
3. Languages evolve alongside and intertwined with the culture/s within which they are spoken. It is therefore natural for the languages themselves to reflect different values and priorities. Look at "What's Important" above, and move the priorities around to show the strengths and shortcomings of languages you know about.
4. Now pick a priority and invent the beginnings of your own language in a small group. Give it a name, and then prepare the following message:
I'm called ........... I'm ........ years old. Woldingham is my school. Happy New Year!
You will need to make decisions about grammar (how the meaning fits together) as well as vocabulary. Remember it doesn't need to work in the same way as any language you know - and don't forget your chosen priorities!
5. Plenary: Read and record the messages, with a brief explanation of what decisions you made.
2. Brief discussion: describe your feelings when learning something completely new. What is it like to learn alongside staff learners? What thinking skills are required when learning another language? What similarities/differences are there between the new language and your mother tongue?
3. Languages evolve alongside and intertwined with the culture/s within which they are spoken. It is therefore natural for the languages themselves to reflect different values and priorities. Look at "What's Important" above, and move the priorities around to show the strengths and shortcomings of languages you know about.
4. Now pick a priority and invent the beginnings of your own language in a small group. Give it a name, and then prepare the following message:
I'm called ........... I'm ........ years old. Woldingham is my school. Happy New Year!
You will need to make decisions about grammar (how the meaning fits together) as well as vocabulary. Remember it doesn't need to work in the same way as any language you know - and don't forget your chosen priorities!
5. Plenary: Read and record the messages, with a brief explanation of what decisions you made.
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