The first-grade DLP students, and all 2nd graders in both DLP and FFL (general-education & ICT) classes recently listened to a collection of some languages from around the world.  We identified the name of each language and some places where it is spoken around the world.

We also spoke a bit about accents: how, although a language might sound different when it is spoken in another place, it is still often very much the same language.

You can listen to this recording, from Hélène Vanthier’s ZigZag book of activities published by CLÉ International, again here if you like:

 

We also read New Words, New Friends to discuss how to connect with a person who may not speak our language.  We learned about strategies we can use to communicate with gestures, how to speak slowly and clearly, and be patient.

We are lucky to live in a city with so many speakers of different languages.  I wholeheartedly encourage you to listen for other languages around you, and if you meet someone who speaks a language you don’t, ask them if they can teach you a few new words in their language.  Maybe you can teach them some words in your language, too!

If you’d like a chance to explore a new language outside of school, check out the resources here!