At 12:04 PM 3/3/2017, Rebecca wrote:
I am in Germany and am new to event organizing ...An issue I have had
with my smaller workshops (and am worried about my larger event) is
language. With the smaller workshops, I just kinda wing it depending on
who is there. But for a larger event, winging it is probably not the best
tactic.
...Do you stick to all English? or have the beginner lesson and/or
walkthrus in the majority language? or everything except for the actual
calling in the majority language?
My experience organizing and calling in France:
1) I decided in advance what English terms to use, and kept the
list short and consistent (e.g., skip the word "allemande",
just use "turn"). A limited vocabulary is pretty easy for folks
to digest -- not really much different than English speakers learning
"hey for 4" or "petronella".
2) During walk-throughs, I gave *explanations* in French, but used
the English terms for the calls/prompts, so they would associate the
terms from the start.
3) I used my body (and other people I could guide) *a lot* to
demonstrate, rather than get caught-up in too many words (in part,
because my French was not-too-great, but this is generally good
policy)
Overall theme; Keep the dances simple, and use the local language to set
an easygoing mood in the room. It's most important to help folks feel
comfortable with mistakes, and not worry about getting things 'right.'
With language differences, some folks will be rather anxious already
about misunderstanding, or doing the wrong thing -- reassure them that
getting things right is not the point ...
If you have a caller who does not speak the majority language, it
can still work.
I have attended a workshop in Argentine tango like this.
A translator was beside the teacher, and checked-in to translate
questions and answers as needed.
Good for you getting dancing going in Karlsruhe !
Take care,
Scott
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Scott@ScottHiggs.com