Experimenting with Language Learning

More than 300 language experts and enthusiasts came together at NYU Shanghai on Sunday for the first Languagecon hosted by the university’s Program on Creativity + Innovation (PCI) and online language learning platform iTalki.

The event aimed to foster networking and experimentation in language learning and featured more than 40 speakers, including language educators, polyglots and entrepreneurs, who gave talks ranging from how to design educational language games, to use public speaking as a way to improve a foreign language.   

Among the speakers was Kristin Hiller, Academic Director for the American Language Institute at NYU Shanghai, who shared insights from research for her doctoral dissertation on ‘translanguaging’ in international higher education.

Also presenting were Brandon Conlon, Associate Director of the English for Academic Purposes Program at NYU Shanghai, and two of his students, Shirley Zhao and Azure Zheng, who discussed how learning is grounded in physical experiences and the way that reflection on such experiences enhances language learning.

Meanwhile, Adjunct Assistant Arts Professor Christian Grewell, gave a demonstration of how his virtual reality social platform could improve language learning by transporting learners together into virtual worlds where they are able to speak and interact together.

“When PCI was approached to co-host this event, we were fascinated by the idea of gathering the community of language experts, learners and technologists together,” said Grewell. “I personally have been studying Chinese for about 15 years, and many of the speakers are people whose ideas, talent and products have helped me and our students tremendously.

“We have had a fantastic response to the event, and it has been a great platform for our students, who between them speak more than 30 languages, to learn and share their experiences,” he added.