10 – 14 June 2024
Paris 8 University
Paris 8 University is announcing an upcoming workshop “Another version of myself – or Learning English through the art of puppetry” designed to invigorate language learning through creativity and playfulness. The course will take place in Paris between the 10th and 14th of June 2024 and will be led by Charlotte Bally-Dally, an English teacher at Paris 8 University, who partners with Sandrine Furrer, a puppeteer and the head of the Karnabal Puppet Company.
This unique event seeks to revolutionize the way we approach spoken English skills. The journey of mastering a foreign language is not merely about memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules; it’s about embracing audacity and playfulness. This workshop proposal aims to delve into the psychology of language acquisition through the lens of puppetry, inviting participants to explore different versions of themselves as they enhance their English-speaking skills.
The inspiration for this workshop stems from the recognition that mastering a foreign language requires more than just practice – it demands audacity and a willingness to embrace new personas. “As an English teacher based in France, I’ve observed that students struggling with spoken English often grapple with shyness or self-consciousness. Speaking a foreign language necessitates stepping outside one’s comfort zone and adopting a new identity temporarily. This role-playing dynamic is not just a linguistic exercise but also a profound journey of self-discovery and growth” says Charlotte Bally-Dally.
Our workshop aims to harness this transformative power by drawing parallels between language learning and the art of puppetry. Just as a puppet embodies a different persona, speaking a foreign language allows individuals to explore new facets of themselves. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants will delve into the psychology of language acquisition, engage in role-playing activities, and tap into their innate creativity.
While digital tools have revolutionized language learning, there’s undeniable value in face-to-face interactions. This workshop provides a much-needed space for students to practice their oral skills in a cheerful and daring manner, stepping outside their comfort zones to enhance their proficiency and gain insights into the learning process itself.
Join us for this enriching experience, where language learning meets creativity and self-discovery. Together, let’s embrace the joy of speaking English and unlock new possibilities on our linguistic journey.
Workshop Organization:
Spanning five days, this workshop will combine theory, role plays, field activities, reflection, group work, and writing exercises. Participants will delve into the history of puppetry in Europe, explore iconic puppet characters, engage in role playing, and maintain a reflective journal throughout the journey.
Learning Objectives:
Develop speaking skills in English through interaction, negotiation, and collaboration.
Explore the art of puppetry, its history, cultural significance, and genres.
Investigate various facets of identity through puppetry and language dissociation.
Collaborate in group puppet manipulation, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Reflect on the language learning process through journaling, promoting critical thinking.
Boost self-confidence in speaking a foreign language through dramatic expression.
Application
We are looking for twelve BA or MA students from all ERUA universities who want to develop their English-language skills in a playful and creative manner. The expected level of English proficiency is A2-B2.
Dates: from June 10th to June 14th, 2024.
Place: Paris, France
Funding: ERUA students can receive travel and accommodation funding from their home universities.
If you are interested, you can apply no later than the 30th of April to the following address: https://paris8.moveonfr.com/locallogin/62e0f5760866dc24b94652f3/eng
