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Working with Older Volunteers in Manual Intergenerational Projects
Language Training
The target group of TRAMP were senior citizens who have little opportunity
to travel outside this project. For this reason all groups included participants
from all 3 countries with little or no language skills. Of course it would have
been optimal to offer language courses beforehand, but there was neither
enough money nor time available, so that the organisers of TRAMP confined
themselves to an integrated language training.
Ideally, this form of language learning is application-oriented, project and
participant-related and highly motivating, because the acquired knowledge is
immediately exploitable.
As an introduction, a “survival vocabulary” was supplied during a group
training session. Together the elderly participants and youths learnt greeting
phrases and vocabulary that enabled them to formulate easy questions, requests
etc.
Vocabulary lists for tools, recipes, food etc. were composed during the
project work.
Unlike classical language courses this form of language training is unable
to convey a subject in a complete or structured manner and rather serves a
makeshift communication during meetings. It is therefore impossible to do
without interpreters. However, an advantage of this learning method is that
the memory rate of the vocabulary is higher, because the acquired skills can
be applied immediately instead of time-delayed.
Native speakers are simultaneously available and provide feedback. Since
all participants find themselves in the same situation and continuously switch
between the role of teacher and pupil, the shyness to speak and try out new
words is quickly overcome and the informal atmosphere on the building site,
workshop or kitchen provides many opportunities to interact verbally.
Set of Methods 149