Insights from VKE’s International Mother Language Day Celebration
Language stands at the centre of the many interdependent cognitive, affective, and social factors that shape learning – Corson (1999)
Language is the foundation of a multilingual and multicultural society that plays a central role in transmitting and preserving traditional knowledge and culture, in a sustainable manner.
VKE hosts students from highly diverse language backgrounds, speaking around 27 languages as per the school’s language profile survey 2022-23.
VKE honours linguistic diversity through its curriculum and cultural celebrations throughout the year to foster the ideals of international mindedness and IB learner profile. As a part of this endeavour, the MYP and DP celebrated ‘The International Mother Language Day’ on 21st February 2023, to promote multilingualism and intercultural understanding – the facets of IB International mindedness. It was an eventful day with a plethora of activities for different grades of MYP and DP to commemorate the day.
Students of MYP 1 were engaged in a virtual inter-school cultural exchange meet with another IB school, Fountainhead in Surat, where they shared their views on the ‘Significance of etiquettes and values in different cultures’. Students exchanged information about the culture and social etiquette of different states with regard to salutations, respectful words used for the elders, and eating habits. They displayed commendable and well-researched presentations about diverse practices in different cultures followed by a Q & A session that was equally engaging and enriching for students of both schools.
Food is often used to connect people to their cultural or ethnic group and is a means to retain their cultural identity. The champions of MYP 2 participated enthusiastically and presented traditional and festive dishes in their cultures, gaining unique insights into how food helps to discover attitudes, practices, and rituals about diverse cultures. The students also created enlightening websites and brochures, giving information about the unique beauty and culture of their states.
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