Permission to Speak: Amplifying Marginalised Voices Through Languages

As part of our work to shine a light on the complete and often complicated history behind the growth of languages, we've partnered with leading language educators and leaders through the Association for Language Learning Decolonise Secondary MFL Special Interest Group to address 'diversifying the MFL curriculum' and to create a new series that aims to illuminate the hidden stories of marginalised people and cultures.

We've created a resource for each area of focus that includes background information into the topic, key discussion questions, and an activity for students to complete.

April 2022: The Influence of Islam on Language and Culture

As the world's second-largest religion with over two billion followers, Islam has greatly influenced a variety of cultures and societies as well as contributed to the development of countless fields including science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and so much more. In celebration of Ramadan, we took a closer look at the influence of Islam on the French, German, and Spanish culture and language.

Download the French resource (PDF| 10.4MB)

Download the German resource (PDF| 10.1MB)

Download the Spanish resource (PDF| 14.2MB)

Image of two muslim women laughing together

March 2022: Talking about Race

As linguists, we should use our knowledge of language and culture to explore the notion of race and how it has shaped each of us and our experiences of the world. In this resource, we highlight how we can move towards the goal of shaping a shared language of love and mutual respect, by being able to discuss race in ways that are appropriate, inclusive, and sensitive to others.

Download the resource (PDF| 5.03MB)

Image of young people holding up a microphone and their fists in a protest

February 2022: LGBT+ History Month

This month, we are taking a look at how LGBT+ History is celebrated across the French-, German-, and Spanish-speaking worlds. We also look at how LGBT+ activism and awareness is changing the way we use language itself, and how this translates into French, German and Spanish.

Download the resource (PDF | 3.6MB)

January 2022: Culture beyond Europe

This month we are excited to explore the people and traditions behind the world-famous Día de Muertos celebrations. What are the origins of this festival? And what else can we learn about the indigenous peoples of Mexico?

Download the resource (PDF | 1.5MB)

Image of woman wearing a Catrina skull mask

October 2021: Black History Month

At Pearson, we believe that Black History should not be confined to a single month, but a crucial and ongoing part of everything that we do. We've taken a multi-perspective look at the ways in which Black History Month is celebrated or viewed in the French, German, and Spanish-speaking worlds.

Download the resource (PDF | 2.3MB)