Learning an L2 through art

Blog about Erasmus+ KA2 project How to learn a language? (H2L2) – December 2023

Within the framework of safe spaces, the team members of the Erasmus+ KA2 project How to Learn a Language (H2L2) keep on working with LESLLA learners so as to support them with the acquisition of a second language. Setting co-construction on the basis of the learning methodology and through the application of multiple strategies, learning autonomy lies at the core of the project’s expectations. By piloting and sharing our experience, we discover and record those strategies and methodological tools that smooth the way for second language and literacy learning with the help of digital technology, human senses, linguistic landscape, art and others.

Why art?

Artwork could be considered as an asset for the capacity building of adult learners related to memorization. Literature, singing, instruments, dancing and painting are some of the main activities used by one of the project's pilot block of classes, the one that ran at the Second Chance School of Mytilene, Lesvos (Greece). The assistance and active participation of specialists (artists) proved to be very effective as possibly the activities concerning music and painting could not be that well organized by the teachers themselves.  

Language … set to music

Sound and narration are the common elements of both language and music. The connection of the two communication systems -linguistic and musical- in the learning procedure has been proven very fruitful with respect to language acquisition. Music also relaxes and leads to better memorizing and motivation. We noticed a high level of memorization during the activity of guessing and learning the lyrics of a song with repeated words and a rousing rhythm. Singing songs with simple lyrics, participating in a choir, instrument playing, rhythm and dance activities inspired and motivated the learners while these activities also created a joyful atmosphere that worked successfully for memorization and supported the cognitive process.

Other activities

The art of painting provided our pilot block with another challenging tool. We talked about the history of Greek art, we described and then created artworks. We searched for alternative titles and tried to match given ones with paintings created by European, Asian and African artists. With the valuable help of an artist we worked on L2, mostly on description and vocabulary for colors, shapes, parts of the face etc., through painting. We drew each other, we gave and received technical tips in the L2, we acknowledged diversity and synthesis and learned new words and expressions used in art. 

Notebooks, pens and whiteboards gave their place to watercolors, brushes and percussion. We had a challenging experience, we recorded possible obstacles, drawbacks and risks. At the end, this pilot was an important contribution to our knowledge on strategies for enhancing the L2 learning skills of adults.

Partnership

H2L2 is an Erasmus+ KA2-strategic partnership in which the following organizations take part: Second Chance School of Mytilene (Greece), Orient Express (Austria), C.P.I.A. Sede di Ancona and Università degli Studi di Macerata (Italy), TopTaal NT2 Experts, Kaatje Dalderop and ITTA UvA (The Netherlands).

Read more about the project and partners at ITTA UvA.

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