Schoolchildren inspired by foreign films and language workshops on the European Day of Languages
More than 200 pupils watched foreign films and took part in language workshops at Birkbeck
More than 200 pupils took part in an action-packed day of foreign film screenings and language workshops at Birkbeck to celebrate the European Day of Languages.
The youngsters, aged from 14 to 16, watched and discussed films from the French, German and Spanish-speaking worlds, and were given a taste of what it is like to study languages at university. The films included: El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006) – a Mexican-Spanish dark fantasy film about a young girl, Persepolis (2007) – a French animated film about an Iranian girl who grew up during the Islamic Revolution and the Iraq-Iran war, and Almanya: Willkommen in Deutschland (2010) –the story of a German/Turkish family.
The schoolchildren, who are studying French, German or Spanish at GCSE level, at eight different schools across London and in Essex were enthusiastic about the event organised by Birkbeck’s Department of Cultures and Languages on Friday 26 September. As well as discussing the films and their content, the pupils from Years 10 and 11 were able to hear Birkbeck’s tutors talk in French, German and Spanish, and meet pupils with similar interests from other schools.
Positive feedback
One pupil said: “I liked learning about the French film industry.” Another added: “Thank you for a wonderful time! I really enjoyed talking to new people. It improved my confidence.” Other comments included: “It was interesting to learn about the background of the Spanish Civil War”, and “I enjoyed the event. It really helped me to understand more German.”
The pupils’ teachers were also upbeat about the opportunities on offer during the day. One teacher said: “The activities were engaging and the students were keen to participate.”
Dr María Elena Placencia (pictured, top right), Reader in Spanish Linguistics at Birkbeck, was one of the event’s organisers. She said: “Film studies is one of our areas of expertise in the Department of Cultures and Languages and we ran these workshops as an activity aimed at fostering among pupils an interest in languages and the cultures where the languages are spoken. The event generated great interest among schools in London, and the feedback from pupils was very positive.”
Schools from seven different London boroughs took part in the day: La Retraite Roman Catholic School for Girls (Lambeth), Pimlico Academy (Westminster), Oaklands School (Tower Hamlets), Whitefield School (Barnet), St Anne’s Catholic High School (Enfield), Harrow High School (Harrow), and Ashcroft Technology Academy (Wandsworth). Pupils from The Frances Brasdely Academy for Girls (Romford, Essex) also participated in the event.
European Day of Languages
There are more than 200 European languages, and the European Day of Languages, which occurs on 26 September, is an annual celebration of this linguistic diversity. It was created by the Council of Europe and it first took place in 2001.