1. Reading Group Initiative
By the Language Acts and Worldmaking Student Advisory Board
WHAT:
To create a reading group for people in isolation due to issues such as old age and language barriers.
HOW:
Participants take turns to read book extracts.
WHY:
The aim of this initiative is to use a multilingual approach to the creation of a communal environment where language barriers are no longer an obstacle.
Moreover, it allows those who feel isolated by their language to participate in community experiences with others facing similar issues in an enjoyable and interactive way.
We hope to help those in isolation by using language to bring them together with others in similar positions.
Methods
What we as students can offer:
As part of the Student Advisory Board we would like to volunteer to lead and coordinate these reading groups.
As we are modern language students, we will have working knowledge of the languages that might be used in the reading group, e.g. Spanish, French or Portuguese.
Questions we have left open for discussion:
How often/where would they meet?
Possibly aim for once a month but increase/decrease according to feedback.
Is there a particular community we would work with?
Possibly charities such as Age UK, who specialize in working with older people. Possibly using existing spaces such as the Millman Street Community Centre.
Where would the material we read come from?
Perhaps we could ask the group if there was a popular story they’d like to read, or maybe they could bring in books themselves?
Conclusions
We hope to provide the opportunity for people to use language in a supportive environment. This idea was created as part of our project because we believe it demonstrates the role of language in shaping our communities.