1. Communication in a multicultural youth exchange

In this activity, different words and expressions are used to find out how many different languages are spoken in the group. The participants are asked to translate these words or phrases into their usual languages, and the group will learn how to pronounce them. It is an interactive method. The facilitator can use as many words or phrases as they like and adapt them to the topic of the group and the meeting.

• To develop a basic understanding of how many different cultures and languages are present in the group of participants
• To encourage people to develop an interest in the other culture(s)
• To build curiosity about each other during the encounter
• To develop openness and tolerance
• To foster group cohesion.

• Mutual understanding
• Curiosity about cultures and languages
• Getting to know each other

10 – 25

• Bi- or multicultural groups who have just met
• Age: 14y – 30y
• No prior knowledge required

20 – 30 minutes

• Flip chart
• Markers of different colours
• A list of words or expressions the facilitator wants to use

Step 1 (2 minutes): the facilitator writes down on the flip chart a word or a sentence in the language that is used in the exchange. For example: “Good morning”.

Step 2 (5 minutes): the participants are asked to translate it into their usual language or the language they use in their everyday life and to write this (one by one) in another colour on the flip chart.

Step 3 (1-2 minutes): the phrases are repeated in the different languages aloud and all together: the person who wrote it in their usual language speaks it once for everyone, then everyone repeats it together.

Step 4: the facilitator uses the next word or expression. They can also ask the group to suggest them.

If the group is staying in one place, new words can be added on the flip chart every day and the group can continue to work on them. This is a particularly good exercise for the beginning of an exchange.

Language animation from FGYO

(see: https://www.fgyo.org/publications-resources/language-animation-a-bridge-between-cultures)

The aim of a bilateral or multilateral youth exchange is for participants from the different countries to get to know and communicate with each other. However, knowledge of the language of the partner country or countries is not a prerequisite for taking part in an intercultural exchange.

During international encounters, young people very often communicate in a spontaneous way in order to make contact with their counterparts, even if they have very little knowledge of the language. Thus, when they ask for help, ask again, show that they have not understood, ask to speak more slowly, or make themselves understood through gestures, facial expressions or drawings, they are already in the middle of the communication process. It is important that these communication processes are being stimulated at a very early stage, so that participants are encouraged to develop an interest in one another. It also serves as an icebreaker.

https://www.fgyo.org/publications-resources?categories%5B297%5D=297

If there is more time, the facilitator can also ask the participants to tell a little bit more about their culture of origin. Sometimes, there are multicultural participants who can be asked where they grew up, which culture they feel a particular affinity for, etc.