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Choice of common language for the project work
| Problem | Participants are usually most effective when they work in their mother-tongue. Depending on the language abilities, working in a foreign language can cause communication difficulties. The difficulties can range from feelings of discomfort, extra effort, to serious problems in understanding. |
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| Framework | Different mother-tongues of the participants, making communication in foreign language at least partially necessary |
| Solution | Several aims can be followed when choosing the common language: -Choice of language which minimizes the differences between language abilities If the participants' language abilities differ, the groups can experience a feeling of unbalance. If this unbalance is very strong, it can lead to communication problems (e.g. if some of the team are native speakers and others have the language as a second language, the non-native speakers may feel embarrassed about their language abilities; they may refuse to do task connected to text creation or apologise constantly for possible mistakes). Hence, it is useful to choose a common language that will place the participants on a comparable level. Choosing a language that will be foreign to all participants can then be better than using a language which is native to some and foreign to others. The fact that the others in team are not much more proficient can have a very calming effect on participants that might otherwise feel uncomfortable working in a foreign language. -Choice of language as a language training When learning a foreign language, active use of the language is invaluable. Contact with native speakers can be of great advantage. If the VCL project is to serve (also) the purpose of language training, it is then advisable to select language that will be native to part of the participants, giving the other part an opportunity to practice the language. In this case, the language-practice aim should be made explicit to the participants. Being open about the language aspect of the project can help participants deal with shyness and uncertainty. They can perceive the project as a learning situation, where mistakes are allowed. Generally, participants should be made aware of any differences on language abilities. If native speakers meet language learners, they should be open and tolerant to language mistakes. AT the same time, it should be made clear that a given level of language ability is expected for the course and that language will not be tolerated as a n excuse for non-participation in tasks. |
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