Day 2: Language in context and exploring irish tradition

The second day of the course focused on developing listening and speaking skills through real-life contexts and practical tasks. We began with a session on authentic communication, where we practised using idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs commonly used in Irish English.

Through group discussions and vocabulary challenges, we reflected on how language shapes interaction, especially when engaging with different cultural backgrounds. The activities helped us build confidence and spontaneity in spoken English. 

Later, we explored Irish traditions and folklore, discovering the rich oral storytelling heritage of the country. We analysed short legends and myths, and discussed their influence on Irish identity and literature. 

In the afternoon, we visited a local cultural centre, where we had the opportunity to experience Irish music and dance. This immersive activity not only brought the culture to life, but also sparked meaningful conversations about how traditions can be integrated into language learning. 

The day concluded with a reflective task in small groups, summarising what we had learned and sharing how we could transfer these ideas into our own teaching contexts.