EdinburghLanguageAmbassadors.pptVIP

Edinburgh Language Ambassadors: an overview 05/11/10 Summary Inspiration – why do we need it? Aims Structure of organisation Events so far Future plans Inspiration My own PhD research The Scottish situation regarding language learning An existing scheme at English universities Run by Routes into Languages Differences, however: no emphasis on recruitment Aims Generate more interest for language! Offer a broader languages provision than usually possible Open up language learning to pupils who may not necessarily see it as something worthwhile to them Provide role models who are close in age, who love learning/using languages MAKE LANGUAGES MORE VALUED IN SCOTLAND Structure I coordinate, so am responsible for recruitment Language faculties International Office Undergraduates (not only studying foreign languages) Recent graduates Ad hoc meetings aimed at preparation for specific activities Structure (cont.) Collaborations: SCILT U of E’s Widening Participation department U of E’s International Office Events so far (1) Italian taster session (2 groups of 20 P7 pupils) Mind-mapping their impressions of Italy Interactive presentation of the basics of the culture/language Discussion of the two different ambassadors’ experiences of living in Italy Chorus of practicing the sounds in Italian, and the basic words and phrases presented Events (2) French extension session (2 groups of 20 P7 pupils) Drawing their existing knowledge of French knowledge and culture in small groups Ambassador discusses her experiences in the country with the pupils Presentation of some more contemporary vocabulary than they would normally access in class Matching game: new phrases to corresponding images You having a laugh ref? Tu te fous de nous?! Come on you blues! Allez les bleus! You look totally gorgeous in that! Tu as vraiment l’air canon! Events (3) Languages circuits afternoon 15 S1-2 pupils, broken into smaller groups to rotate around the 6 dif