EDL.ECML.AT/BEAUTYOFLANGUAGES

The beauty of languages

Every language harbours intriguing expressions, often accompanied by interesting or amusing anecdotes related to their usage. These reflect the unique charm and elegance of a language. Can you come up with an expression that you love – either from your native language or one you're learning— and provide the backstory or anecdote that explains its meaning?

 Initiative 
The beauty of languages

Every language harbours intriguing expressions, often accompanied by interesting or amusing anecdotes related to their usage. These reflect the unique charm and elegance of a language. Can you come up with an expression that you love – either from your native language or one you're learning— and provide the backstory or anecdote that explains its meaning?

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To participate in this initiative, we're calling upon your presentation skills! We invite you to craft a short, heartfelt video in which you explain why you find a specific expression, phrase, or proverb particularly beautiful (see this example from TikTok).

Guidelines:

  • The expression, phrase, or proverb can be from your mother tongue or a language you're learning.
  • The video should not exceed 1 minute in length.
  • Upload the video to an online platform like YouTube and share the link with us. Alternatively, you can upload the video to a file-sharing platform such as WeTransfer and provide us with that link.
By participating, you'll contribute to the creation of a collection that aims to capture the beauty and artistic expression inherent in languages. There are small prizes awaiting the top 5 most creative entries.

For instance, consider the French expression "L’esprit de l’escalier" (literally ‘staircase wit’), which pertains to the common situation of thinking of the perfect response to a comment only after the opportunity has passed. Legend has it that this phrase originated from a dinner party where the French philosopher Denis Diderot was rendered speechless by a remark from another guest. It was only as he descended the host's staircase that he finally thought of a suitable reply. Regrettably for him, the other guests had already left!

NB: Please ensure that your video adheres to our guidelines and then share the link with us. Together, let's curate a collection that showcases the extraordinary beauty of languages and fosters deeper connections among people from all corners of Europe.

Deadline: 15 October 2023