THEALINGUA® is active in research in the field of innovative pedagogy for teaching and learning a foreign language and culture. This multidisciplinary action research combines the fields of educational science, language didactics and performing arts/theatre practice.
This process is based on the pleasure of being together in a project. To get to grips with the foreign language and experience the pleasure of it, we rely on tools, knowledge and know-how that come from the theatre (but which we also find in language teaching and didactics): bodily expression, teamwork and commitment.
Brief overview of the disciplines of theatre, pedagogy and language didactics covered by THEALINGUA
THEATER // Our practice is part of a constellation of contemporary theatre in which thinking about, making and transmitting theatre are the three pillars of artistic research. We come from a line that includes Jacques Copeau, Ariane Mnouchkine, Peter Brook, Eugenio Barba, Jacques Lecoq, Alain Knapp… Each in his own way embodies a theatrical style that shines first and foremost through the body, the collective and the encounter with others. PEDAGOGY // In keeping with a tradition of popular education, Thealingua’s work is based on project-based pedagogy. This pedagogy comes from active teaching methods (Freinet, Montessori, etc.) and considers each person as a global being, a being made up of his or her physical, intellectual, social and artistic particularities. It is also a pedagogy based on cooperation, where the commitment of all those involved around a common project is necessary for its realisation, Sprachdidaktik und darstellende Kunst/Theaterpraxis. LANGUAGES // Our approach to language teaching is inspired by the Council of Europe and the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). In today’s society, where there are more and more opportunities for mobility, particularly in the workplace, languages need to be taught in this context of co-construction. That’s why, since 2005, the Council of Europe has been recommending that language teaching and learning be based on an action-based methodology that involves practical activities in the classroom. We carry out projects using efficient languages on and around the stage.BODYTo relax, to be present, to feel, to know, to master, to enjoy, to be in movement, to play in space, to be in contact.
COLLECTIVELooking, listening, creating a group and driving its rhythm and dynamics, working together on and around the stage, collective stage(s)
COMMITMENT / PROJECTCommon choices in characters, texts, words, sentences and stories. Quality of listening, concentration and essays
IMPULSION
EXPRESSION
CRÉATION
Diagram: towards the pleasure of a foreign language
Group dynamics / Confidence in the facilitator, in each other, in yourself / No mistakes or failures, only appreciation / Kindness / Pride in quality
CORPSSe détendre, être présent, sentir, connaître, maîtriser, s’en amuser, être en mouvement, jouer dans l’espace, être au contact
COLLECTIFLe regard, l’écoute, faire naître un groupe et animer son rythme, sa dynamique, faire ensemble sur scène et autour de la scène, scène(s) collective(s)
ENGAGEMENT / PROJETChoix communs dans les personnages, les textes, mots, phrases, l’histoire. Qualité de l’écoute, de la concentration et des essais
IMPULSION
EXPRESSION
CRÉATION
Diagram: towards the pleasure of a foreign language
Group dynamics / Confidence in the facilitator, in each other, in yourself / No mistakes or failures, only appreciation / Kindness / Pride in quality