Discussion on Multi-Lingual Use: Group 2

Laurie Williams, Recorder

Hi all,

On the heels of the ongoing discussion about multi-language use, here are the minutes from Discussion Group 2's session on Multi-Lingual issues on KIDLINK.

Multi-Lingual Meeting--Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 8/12/96 Chairperson: Epi Sepulveda - Recorder: Laurie Williams

Members of the group felt that the meeting ran very much like we felt KIDLINK should be in the area of Multi-Lingual participation.

• People met in one group, discussing in the language of their choice.
• Translation was available for those who needed it.

Ideas Discussed

• TranTeam is currently translating existing documents. This process sometimes takes as much as 2 week time to complete.
• New ideas to promote multi-lingual participation
  • Requirements to achieve participation:
    • Teacher and student message would need to be translated
    • Projects that would be developed for multi-lingual participation would need to be long in duration.
    • The volume of messages and the amount of writing needed to participate in the project shouldn't be very high.
  • Model One:
    • Instructions are given; classes work at their location; reports and messages are translated and sent to the list.
    • STRENGTH: Students from different places can share ideas and views.
    • WEAKNESS: No real dialog or interaction takes place between students.
  • Model Two:
    • Cooperative projects; students from different places dialog in order to discuss a topic or complete a project.
    • STRENGTH: A true "multi-lingual" dialog occurs.
    • WEAKNESS: Translations would need to occur immediately.
  • Provide a Special "Place" for Multi-lingual Dialog
    • Use modern technology not currently in use, such as IPhone.
    • Use the TranTeam as it currently exists, or redesign it's focus.
  • Create a "TranTeam RoundTable"
    • Schools could use any resources they have available for translating or call on the TranTeam.
    • The TranTeam would provide support during a project or provide a mentor for a student or class.
    • EXAMPLE:
      • A project starts, and schools from 2 or more countries join in.
      • A mentor would be designated to assist as needed.
    • The TranTeam would NOT be responsible...TEACHERS in the project would be.

Conclusion

• The KIDLINK IRC is a good place for multi-linugal dialog.
• Group 2 especially liked the idea of a "TranTeam RoundTable"

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Patricia A. Weeg

pweeg@shore.intercom.net

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