Introduction
In today's WebQuest we will be learning about international languages, the specific International Mother Language Day (February 21st), and the different unique ways these cultures and languages are celebrated. This lesson is the opening lesson for multi-cultural unit, its purpose is to familiarize students with other cultures, and give them an appreciation for other mother languages.
Languages are vital. They are humanity's most useful and meaningful form of communication. However, they do much more than just provide people with the ability to communicate. "A language helps define the culture, history, and ancestry of a group of people. Once a language is lost, humanity loses a part of our rich, [dense, and diverse] culture and heritage." Studying, celebrating, and preserving endangered languages are important steps we can take to keep traditions alive.
Task
Your task for this WebQuest is to familiarize yourself with another country's mother language and with the International Mother Language Day celebrations. You will then share your findings in a brief summary with the class, and turn in a written summary for a grade as you leave.
Process
Step 1. Brainstorm how much you know about other languages worldwide. Any type of facts you know or have heard can be used. Also include any well-known stereotypes about other languages or generalizations that people tend to make. You will use this link to access NearPod where you and your classmates will write your responses on a collaborative board.
https://share.nearpod.com/e/h5twvyCjDdb
Step 2. Follow this link to a website that has a graphic of 50+ facts that you probably didn't know about international languages and read over them.
https://takelessons.com/blog/language-facts-z14
Step 3. Take a look at the information on the United Nations website about International Mother Language Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day. Based on what you learned in the article, see if you can answer the following questions:
1. What does it mean for a language to be considered "endangered?"
2. How many of the languages spoken in the world today are considered endangered?
3. How many people do not have access to an education in the language they speak/understand/use?
I provided a link to a YouTube video with more information on the IML Day celebrations:
Step 4: On the bottom of the United Nations, International Mother Language Day website page, in the "Related Observances" and supplemental resources section, choose one of the topics that interests you and click on the link that will take you to a new webpage.
( The links to the articles of choice are provided here: (1) https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day , (2) https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day , (3) https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day , (4) https://www.un.org/en/observances/literacy-day , (5) https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day , (6) https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-translation-day )
Once you choose your article, follow these instructions:
1. Write down the name of the webpage and article that you chose.
2. Read the article and take notes on the most important aspects.
3. Write a 1 page summary - 1-2 paragraphs summarizing the topic in the article that you chose, and 1-2 paragraphs summarizing what you learned in class today about international languages and cultures.
4. Prepare a brief (1-2 minute) presentation / explanation to the class about what you learned from your article.
Evaluation
The evaluation/assessment portion of this WebQuest lesson in the written summary and the spoken class presentation.
Students will be required to give a very brief (1-2) minute description of the article that they chose to read more about and what they learned. This presentation will be graded on accuracy and depth of content, as well as their presentation.
Students will also write a one-page summary on the article and what they learned in today's lesson. This will be turned in before students leave class and will be graded on depth and accuracy of content and writing.
Conclusion
Language is much more than a form of communication alone. There is a fine line that differentiates language and communication. Language is a means of interpersonal communication, where the communication system depends on both verbal and non-verbal methods where information is transferred. I want to remind you all of the quote I gave you in the introduction: "A language helps define the culture, history, and ancestry of a group of people. Once a language is lost, humanity loses a part of our rich, [dense, and diverse] culture and heritage."
Credits
1. NearPod lesson collaborative board: https://share.nearpod.com/e/h5twvyCjDdb
2. Website of 50+ unusual facts about international languages: https://takelessons.com/blog/language-facts-z14
3. United Nations website on International Mother Languages Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
4. YouTube video on International Mother Language Day
5. Articles to choose from for further study:
(1) https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day
(2) https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day
(3) https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day
(4) https://www.un.org/en/observances/literacy-day
(5) https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day
(6) https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-translation-day
Teacher Page
This WebQuest lesson is from an 11th grade; English Language Arts class.
RL.11.2 - Determine themes or central ideas of a text and analyze in detail their development over the course of the text...provide an accurate summary of the text based upon this analysis.
RI.11.2 - Determine central ideas of a text and analyze in detail their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an accurate summary of the text based upon this analysis.
RI.11.7 - Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.
W.11.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.11.6 - Use technology, including the internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.
W.11.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question or solve a problem, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
W.11.8 - Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively.
SL.11.2 - Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
SL.11.4 - Prevent information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.