Cruise meet and greet project gives German language pupils hands-on experience
IT IS one thing learning a foreign language in the classroom, but how about trying it for real outside of school with native speakers?
A scheme run by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is allowing secondary pupils at the Anderson High School in Lerwick to do just that – giving them a rare chance to test out their German skills in public.
The innovative project – backed by Lerwick Port Authority and now in its third year – sees a group of youngsters head out of the classroom to Lerwick Harbour to meet and greet German passengers coming off cruise ships, encouraging them to try out phrases and develop their self-confidence.
DYW’s school coordinator Pamela Wilson said it was a win-win for everyone involved, with the benefits stretching beyond just German language skills.
Shetland News headed down to Victoria Pier last week to see the project in action as passengers from the large AIDAsol cruise ship – who were predominantly German – disembarked from tender boats.
Donning hi-vis jackets and supported by Wilson and their teacher Valeska Pearson, the group of 11 secondary four pupils were on hand to greet passengers heading into the town centre in German, and ask them if they need any help, including with directions.
One of the participants, 15-year-old Harrison Wylie, let slip that a key trick is to look out for any tourists looking somewhat confused at a map of Lerwick.
“They ask how long you have been learning German,” he added. “They are very welcoming.”
Pearson said most of the tourists “love it” and often take delight in testing and teaching the pupils.
“They can really practise the application of the language,” she added.
One elderly couple, clutching a special German guide to Lerwick given out by the port authority, appeared visibly delighted when they discovered that the children were learning their language.
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The pupils are also given a list of common phrases in German as a reminder, from welcome to Shetland and have a good day, as well as words that might crop up – including toilet, supermarket, Shetland ponies and even ‘Jimmy Perez’s house’.
With passengers coming to the pier in periodic bursts on the small tender boats, there was also time in the quiet moments for the youngsters to get some advice about presentation – including a tip to keep hands out of the pockets.
It becomes clear that the scheme, which sees pupils head out a few times in the summer season, is more than just speaking some German – it also gives young people the chance to gain self-confidence, and learn more about the tourism sector too.
“To begin with they’re really anxious, and they’re standing back,” Wilson said.
“And by the end of the engagement, they’re actually looking for someone to speak to, to give directions to, which is really lovely.
“Even if they’re not speaking German the whole time, they’re still having to have the confidence to approach strangers, to speak about themselves and to speak about Shetland.”
Wilson also said feedback Lerwick Port Authority has received has been positive, and that it is “so lovely to be welcomed by young people”.
She explained that it was easier to pick the German language as the focus because while many cruise ships have mixed nationalities, those on board the AIDA vessels are German speaking.
“I’m just so proud of the guys,” Wilson added. “It’s been so worthwhile for them participating in this.”
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