26/02/2020
Italy
participants
The Linguistic Tandem activity is aimed at the learning and teaching of new languages among people from different countries. In order to make the participants as comfortable as possible in our country, we look forward to share our passion and knowledge about Italian culture.
This activity borrows its name from the typical bicycle with two seats called "tandem" : it basically consists of short chats within 2 people or small groups (for us, it was normally small groups) who teach themselves their own language. The idea is "I teach you my language and you teach me yours so that we can learn and practice both".
Every time we choose a different theme to talk about: travels, food, jobs, celebrations and so on. In this way, at the end of the meeting, everyone has a personal mini-dictionary with all the words and idioms learned during the activity. Moreover, a very inclusive and appreciated way of learning has been playing every time a different game: after the first part spent talking in small groups, we create a moment with all the participants to play a language game all together, such as example pictionary or taboo (in italian).
These have been the most successful ways to spread the Italian culture, in a funny way!
By participating in this event, foreigners are encouraged to approach the Italian culture, making the best of every opportunity during their stay in our country.
Tandem is born for people who are keen on learning more about new languages and new cultures and it's a unique occasion to make new friends and spend a different night in an international environment.
We can say it was a success: it was once every 2 weeks, and the last ones were really overcrowded, that means it was very appreciated!
