Language as a Gateway to Identity Multilingual Spoken Word Workshop
The workshop explored the relationship between language, voice, body, and identity, working across German, Hebrew, Arabic, and English, with each language carrying its own cultural and personal meanings. Through creative writing, rhythm, rap, and different writing styles, participants worked individually and together around questions of home, migration, identity, and belonging. The process culminated in a collective piece that was performed on the final day.
In twenty years
I want to lose the fear
Of being in the wrong place
People are the door
A door to Hamburg
A window to Berlin
A bridge to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem
Loose the fear of being wrong
Look for what is and what can be
The first day of the rest of your life is
Today.
- Participant form Germany
What are people?
I mean they are too diverse and complex to be put into categories or types. Every person makes you feel at least slightly different than the other. Some people can remind us of other people because of how they look, feel like or how they express themselves.
So what are people? What can we compare them to?
I think... a perfect comparison are... colors! I mean... look around! There is countless amount of different shades of every color. Same goes for people. Some are more alike and have similar like background. On the other hand some are complete opposites.
They like being with similar shades. Mostly.. people are so unique and different, that I am sure there are colors who love to connect to somebody different. To enjoy this contrast.
And there is so much more to think about.
Not only is every color exceptional, but also every possible combination is unique. Next time you see a color, try to look deeper into them. Try to notice the slight difference between you, them and your surrounding. Try to analyse how does an encounter with different colors change your shade.
And... I know, its a lot to observe and comprehend, but.. I mean its better to be overwhelmed by that kind of difference than to be colorblind.
- Participant from Ukraine
