Web Quest

The International Language Debate

Introduction

Have you ever thought how it would be like if all people spoke only their own language?
Would it be possible to travel to foreign countries?
Would it be possible to surf the net?
Would it be possible to have friends from abroad?

But how do we choose which language should be the International Language?

Task

You will take part in an e-debate about which language should be the international language (see example).
Four languages have been chosen to vote for:
English, Greek, Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin).
At the end of the debate, it will be decided which language should become the international language based on the arguments presented.

Procedure
You will be part of a group supporting one of the four languages.

1. Your teacher will divide you into groups.
2. With your partners, go to "Resources" and search for information about the language you support. Take into consideration factors such as

number of native speakers
number of countries where this language is official
history of the language and its influence to and from other languages of the world
language difficulty
richness of vocabulary

3. Go to our class's weblog and start posting your arguments. Don't forget to answer back to other posts from other groups, supporting each time why YOUR language should be the international language.
4. ATTENTION: There is a limit of 10 posts per group, so do not repeat the same arguments again and again.

Resources

For English click here

For Greek click here

For Spanish click here

For Chinese click here

You may also want to check these general resources out:

- Definition of the term "Linquistics"

- Reasons For Choosing a Language (statistics)

- Table with characteristics of many languages

Evaluation

LEVEL CRITERIA	I'd go for another language instead...	Why not? That language might do...	I'm so learning this language!!!
Number of arguments	<3	3-5	>5
Quality and substantiation of arguments	subjective arguments; no or unreliable sources	quite logical arguments, not so reliable sources, though	coherence and cohesion in speech, rational arguments and substantiated sources
Resources	few	only the ones provided	more than the suggested ones
Accuracy	bad English	few grammar, syntax and spelling mistakes	no grammar, syntax and spelling mistakes
Register	inappropriate language	some words or phrases look funny	appropriate language use
Contribution to the forum	only one person posts	not all group members participate in the forum	equal contribution from all members of the group
Interaction in the forum	monologue-like posts	posts do not always counter-argue other people's posts	consistent, to the point answers to posts; true dialogue

Conclusion

Now that you have completed this debate, you know more about :

the significance of an international language
the characteristics of 4 important languages
how to do research on the internet
how to participate in a debate and support your opinion