Unit 3 - Why is a language important?

The film, ‘What the Focal?’, looks at cultural identity and what that means, and opens the discussion about what we consider to be ‘our’ cultural heritage.

This will follow on to a discussion regarding how language fits into that heritage and why this is important.

This lesson supports the delivery of the Learning for Life and Work: Local and Global Citizenship Curriculum at Key Stage 3.

  • Watch
  • Discuss
  • Share
  • Reflect
  • Resources

Watch Film 1: What the Focal?

This film looks at what happens when Maggie from East Belfast enrols in an Irish language class, much to the horror of her staunchly loyalist husband.

Discuss / Think

In small groups, use Info Sheet 3 as a stimulus to discuss why having a language is important, and list your points on a large sheet of paper. (Print  Worksheet 3 if necessary)

When you have your list completed, single out what you believe to be the most important reason.

Share

Each group feeds back their work so that the teacher can chart the answers and come up with a class consensus as to what the most important reason for having a language is. Follow up the activity by engaging the students in a short discussion about what can be done to encourage members of their own, and other communities, to find out more about the language of their cultural heritage.

Reflect

As a class, reflect on the learning below:

Learning points

  • Reflect on the film ‘What the Focal?’
  • Discuss generally why language is important, and state how others can be encouraged to learn about the languages of their culture

Next time

  • Look at the advantages of being bilingual from an early age and how this can benefit individuals, society and the economy

Info Sheets

Worksheets