Meet CALA, a space where language connects with the identity of migrant communities!

iLanguage, through the promotion of multilingualism and integration, emphasizes respect for the linguistic, cultural and social diversity of each person, promotes translingual and transcultural coexistence, makes multilingualism accessible to all and thus creates spaces of harmonious coexistence in which people feel safe and integrated, regardless of their origin or their mother tongue(s) or inherent language(s).

IRARU seeks to place art at the centre of the experience in order to bring artistic creation closer to all people, aware that each person has the innate ability to create. Another objective is to integrate migrant communities, through socio-cultural offers that provide access to intercultural experiences and create safe spaces that promote mental health and self-knowledge, through offers with an artistic-therapeutic approach based on Expressive Arts Therapy.

CALA aims to promote multilingualism and German language learning in migrant communities and empower participants to embrace their linguistic heritage. The proposal considers language not only as a means of communication, but as a fundamental component of identity. Using the tools of Expressive Art Therapy and the innovative iLanguage philosophy developed by researcher Dr. Carola Koblitz, CALA creates a space where participants can explore their identity and celebrate cultural diversity.

What are the pillars of the project?

Basics of Expressive Art Therapy: Various art forms are used to help participants connect with their linguistic roots and express themselves creatively.

Cultural heritage: Cultural diversity is celebrated and a deeper appreciation of each individual’s identity is promoted.

Language learning: The project believes that learning a language promotes global citizenship and intercultural understanding.

What is so special about CALA?

CALA is more than a language learning project; it is a transformative experience that gives participants the mindset needed to succeed in a multicultural world. By focusing on creativity and self-expression, CALA helps build real connections and a more inclusive society.

In practice…

Participants have the opportunity to practice the German language in different art forms, thus getting in touch with their cultural and linguistic heritage. The sessions have a therapeutic approach as they are designed to make participants feel relaxed and valued. During the workshops there are creative activities that do not require any art knowledge, because according to CALA 's philosophy , "we are all artists", which means that everything the participants need is already inside them, as creativity and the ability to create are innate in humans.

Who is CALA intended for?

CALA is intended for people who find themselves in one of the following situations:

• Are you learning German and have no one to talk to?

• Do you want a safe, creative and judgement-free environment to improve or practice your German?

• Do you live in Vienna, have a migration background and would like to meet new people with whom you can speak German?

• Do you speak other languages ​​and want to open yourself up to multilingualism (and learn some tips)?

• Do you feel frustrated and blocked because you cannot express yourself in German?

• Do you want to awaken your inner artist and learn a little more about yourself?

WORKSHOPS

CALA has the format of 3-hour workshops. They are independent of each other, so participants can attend all or some of them without affecting their commitment to the project. At the end of all workshops there will be an art exhibition with the works of all participants!

Dates: The workshops will take place in July and August. The dates will be announced shortly on the IRARU and iLanguage social networks.

Location: WUK, Währinger Str. 59, 9th district, Vienna.

Cost: The activity is free, but donations are welcome to continue work on community-related projects.

It is important for us to mention that this first phase is managed by the Cultural Department of the 9th District Municipality.

More information at:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/iraru_org/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/iraru.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iraru-i-culture-and-socio-cultural-initiatives/

Web: http://www.iraru.org

Email: office@iraru.org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/inherentlanguage/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Inherent.language/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilanguageeu

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iLanguageEU

Web: http://www.i-language.eu

Email: info@inherent-language.com