Language Portrait

Individually: Can you represent graphically your linguistic repertoire (that is languages and ways of speaking that you have experienced/are important in your life). You can either copy the silhouette or draw one yourself.

Choose colours that fit the different languages and modes of speaking that have a particular meaning for you.

(possible follow up questions: How do you experience different ways of speaking, writing, communicating with other people? How do you experience languages and language use that are to be found in your environment?)

Pairs or small groups

Show each other your portraits and explain them to each other, ask each other follow up questions. Remember you do not have to share anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing with others

Regroup

Follow-up in the main room – participants can be invited to share their feelings about the activity, reflections about their language experiences with the larger group.

Follow-up

Students can be invited to share their images on a pinboard (e.g. Padlet) with short explanations and a key for the colours (if they want to – some may prefer not to). Students might want to modify their portraits if they want to after their conversations.