The Words of Living Together

A Pedagogical Reflection on the Relational Dimension

Abstract

This paper presents several activities designed within the framework of the action research project Plurilingualism for Social Sustainability and Youth Inclusion, aimed at upper secondary schools. Starting from considerations on the contemporary socio-cultural context in which Italian schools operate and the key actors involved in educational and formative processes, the project activities are illustrated in close connection with the educational objectives they seek to achieve.
The first educational pathway focuses on the enhancement of plurilingualism through intercomprehension-based approaches. In this regard, the paper highlights the educational potential of the comparative mindset inherent in intercomprehension practices, emphasizing both the value of historicity as a pedagogical category and the possible shift in social perceptions of cultural differences. The second educational pathway aims to foster self-expression through the aesthetic dimension, encouraging individuals to continuously reimagine themselves and others in a creative way. At the same time, this process helps regain awareness of one's participation in the network of relationships that shapes individual identities.