Our World, Connected

The power of language in difficult times

Jun 19, 2024

Educational psychotherapist Marie Delaney shares inspiring stories of resilience from her work with refugees. They discuss how language learning can rebuild lives and unite communities. Zhanna Sevastianova talks about trauma-sensitive teaching in Ukraine. The podcast explores the transformative power of language in difficult times.

34:17

Creator website

Episode guests

Marie Delaney

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Language learning supports well-being and community cohesion for refugees.

Trauma-sensitive teaching in conflict-affected areas fosters safety and empathy in classrooms.

Deep dives

The Power of Language in Building Communities

Language plays a critical role in shaping communities and societies, connecting individuals, and shaping our understanding of the world. It serves as a tool for communication and storytelling. For the 108 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide, language can pose challenges in integration but also offer opportunities for rebuilding their lives. Harnessing the power of languages is crucial for supporting well-being, fostering community cohesion, and providing avenues for conflict-affected individuals.

Intro

3min

Supporting Ukrainian English Teachers During Conflict

2min

Empowering Teachers Through Trauma-Sensitive Training Course

2min

Importance of Language Education in Challenging Circumstances

22min

The Transformative Power of Language Learning for Communities Affected by Conflict and Displacement

6min

Discover how language learning can enhance well-being, unite communities, and support people displaced by conflict.

Marie Delaney, educational psychotherapist and teacher, joins host Christine Wilson to share inspiring stories of resilience from her work with refugees and displaced peoples worldwide. Together, they explore how language learning can serve as a catalyst for rebuilding lives.

We also visit Warsaw, Poland, where Zhanna Sevastianova tells us about her work in making the teaching and learning of English more trauma-sensitive, inclusive, and safe for students and teachers in Ukraine.

Join us for compelling stories and an insightful conversation about the transformative power of language.

Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.

What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?

If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠researchglobal@britishcouncil.org⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode

Dive deeper:

Read Marie’s Language for Resilience report - https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/language_for_resilience_report.pdf

Learn more about Marie’s work at Trauma Responsive Education - https://trauma-ed.com

Explore Zhanna’s Teaching and Learning in Difficult Times course and project - https://www.britishcouncil.org.ua/en/teaching-and-learning-in-difficult-time

Find out more about Zhanna’s work in helping English language teachers in Ukraine to lead professional communities in their schools - https://www.britishcouncil.org.ua/en/programmes/english/schools/switlo

Follow British Council Research and Insight:

Newsletter – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribe

Twitter – https://twitter.com/InsightBritish

Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight