Open to students of all ages who are formally studying the Greek language!

INVITATION

All students studying the Greek language in a formal capacity are invited to take part in this year’s WAMGLTA Speak Greek in June Event. It is no longer a competition! The event invites students to speak freely in the Greek language on the topic: “Respect for people, property, and place – what does it mean to you?”

Suggestions include, but are not limited to the following; however, they must be on the topic listed above:

• Holding an everyday conversation with a peer and/or with a teacher/other adult
• Interviewing a peer
• Role play
• Reporting of an event that relates to the topic
• Reciting an original poem/singing an original song on the topic
• Presenting a talk on the topic
• Speaking online via Zoom or Teams, or other mode, with other students in a school in WA, the Eastern States, or even in Greece
• Any other approach that works well with the teaching/learning program being undertaken in the Greek Language provider where Greek is being taught

CATEGORIES

Students may work alone, in pairs, or in groups.
The categories include:

1. Background Speakers: Solo, Pairs, Groups
2. Non-background Speakers: Solo, Pairs, Groups
3. Mixed Background and Non-background Speakers: Pairs, Groups

*Groups should comprise no more than 4 students.

DEFINITIONS

Definition of a ‘Background Speaker’:

For the purpose of the WAMGLTA Speak Greek in June Event, WAMGLTA’s definition of a ‘Background Speaker’ is a student who is exposed to spoken Greek on a regular basis outside of their school environment wherein they learn Greek formally; for example, Greek spoken at home by one or both parents/grandparents/relatives. “On a regular basis” implies using the Greek language to communicate, even if at a basic level, on a daily/weekly basis outside of the school environment.

Definition of a ‘Non-background Speaker’:

A ‘Non-background Speaker’ is a student who is not exposed to spoken Greek on a regular basis outside of the school environment wherein they learn Greek formally.

AIM OF THE EVENT

The aim of this annual event is to encourage students to speak in Greek during the month of June (and thereafter)!

As it is no longer a competition, everyone who participates will be recognised officially by WAMGLTA via a Certificate of Participation, a small prize, and publicity through various local media channels, including WAMGLTA’s own website (https://wamglta.weebly.com).

The organisers of the 2023 WAMGLTA Speak Greek in June Event are hoping that students will demonstrate:

1. Fluency in speaking Greek.
   Students must avoid reading scripted text. Students can use palm cards or other prompts, or learn their lines off by heart, although a natural approach is encouraged.
2. Clear communication of meaning.
3. Audience engagement (i.e., making eye contact with the audience/looking into the camera; using a few props/costume items to add appeal to the presentation, if relevant; using hand gestures/body language to add emphasis; varying voice pitch, etc.).

*Errors made in the course of speaking Greek are to be expected and should not prevent candidates from participating in this event, which is intended to promote the speaking of Greek as a natural and enjoyable practice.

EVIDENCE OF PARTICIPATION

Teachers may offer audio or video recordings of student participation in the 2023 WAMGLTA Speak Greek in June Event or may invite members of the WAMGLTA Executive Committee to attend a presentation at their school.

Permission for video recordings must be attained from parents and/or the school, and is the responsibility of the teacher.

A list of students’ names participating in the event and any form of evidence is all that is required by WAMGLTA for acknowledgement to be offered.

Teachers can provide the WAMGLTA Chairperson, Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis, with a USB containing all the audio recordings/videos of their school’s participants, along with a list of the participating students’ names. The USB will be returned when the Certificates of Participation and prizes are offered.

All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and a small prize, along with public recognition through various local Greek media channels.

EVENT DATES

The 2023 WAMGLTA Speak Greek in June Event commences on Thursday 1 June and closes on Saturday 1 July 2023. USBs and student lists can be provided to the WAMGLTA Chairperson anytime during the month of June or just after 1 July.

WAMGLTA is looking forward to some exciting entries in this year’s Speak Greek in June Event!