Duration
20-90 minutes Age recommendation 0-6; 6-10 Key words video, YouTube, watching, online Languages of the original source Multilingual. This activity can be used in any language Materials needed a video in the family languages and DVD player or computer and Internet access     | Aim of the activity Viewing a video in the family languages in order to understand and to identify with the languages. Also that the same video can be watched in different languages showing that multilingualism is “real”. Work on the child’s narrative competence*. Preparation for the activity It is possible to use multilingual versions of video on DVD; however, it is recommended to use the YouTube website as this allows the child more freedom to access the desired language and videos that are of particular interest to the child personally. Procedure The procedure for the activity is very straightforward. The parent’s role is restricted to mentioning the possibility of watching the child’s favourite movie in a different language. The freedom of choice of language is very important here. Parents should let the children make their own decision which language they choose and how often they watch the video in the language. An incentive could be the suggestion to see whether the characters in the video can actually speak a different language. Again, parents should make sure that they give the children an opportunity to talk about their feelings and answer all of their questions related to the language. Significant benefit of the activity The activity introduces languages through technology which is a great motivator for children. The freedom of choice gives the children an opportunity to identify themselves as a part of a particular group based on a common language. The introduction of the family language in contrast with other languages, and related to a particular experience, can affect the children’s view of different languages. The child’s perception of an experience (i.e. a video) may differ according to the language used. It’s not only the language that may affect the children’s decision-making; it’s also the voices of the characters and particular expressions. As a result, children can find watching a video more interesting in one language, and another video in a different language. (see Zaraysky 2009) Source of the activity Multilingual Families Project This activity was inspired by: YouTube clips and videos for children that can be found on YouTube WWW.YOUTUBE.COM Zaraysky S., 2009, Language Is Music: Over 70 Fun & Easy Tips to Learn Foreign Languages, Cupertino: Kaleidomundi. |
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The project ‘Multilingual Families: Supporting multilingual families A linguistic treasure for Europe’ has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Project number: 531085-LLP-1-2012-1-PL-KA2-KA2MP
Project duration: 2013-2015