Exercise: Find stories and words from the local tradition

This exercise recognizes the oral tradition that has been maintained by people in times when it was forbidden to study the Valencian language and even to speak it. The objective is for them to relate situations from their childhood and their lives to know the stories and words they used and that some of them are currently being lost. Older people who have had experiences related to culture have a lot to convey.

Ideal number of participants: 3–8.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Materials required: Paper, pencil and recorder for conversations. 

Step-by-step description

1. A topic or situation is proposed for them to tell their personal experience related to the cultural tradition. You can rely on a film, a book, photographs, etc.
2. It is also proposed that they contrast how the situation was before and how it is now. In the process, things that have changed or disappeared provide traditional information and vocabulary.

Tips to the instructor: You can prepare historical topics or photographs to start the discussions with participants. It is important to guide the conversation towards cultural aspects. It is a good idea to bring older people together with young people.