Why Learn Languages?

Languages Build Video Contest

We invite language learners across Canada to create a video that shares how learning an additional language has helped “build” their identity, personality, or society.

How has learning a second or additional language impacted your life?

CASLT-supported research shows that language learning shapes people and societies. Languages build creativity, self-esteem, academic success, cultural competencies, employability, social justice, and more!

We invite language learners across Canada to create a video that shares how learning a second or additional language has helped “build” their identity, personality, or society. Enter the Languages Build Video Contest for the chance to win prizes and have your video featured by CASLT.

The contest is open from:

January 31 – March 31, 2024

Contest Details

Eligibility

This contest is open to all residents of Canada.

Creating Your Video

Create a video (maximum 3 minutes) that describes what “Languages Build” means to you.

Share your personal thoughts and experiences on how learning a second or additional language has impacted your life.
Your video must clearly reflect what the expression “Languages Build…” means to you, e.g., “For me/for us, the expression ‘Languages Build‘ means…”.

Here are some prompts and questions that may help you get started:

It’s fun using my second/additional language when . . .
Learning languages is important because . . .
I get to use my second/additional language when . . .
I think my family/friends should also learn a second/additional language because . . .
Why is communicating in another language important to you?
Talk about an “aha moment” you experienced when using your second/additional language.
How has multilingualism helped shape Canada?
What are you “building” with your second/additional language skills?

Feel free to use other creative ideas that you may have.

Looking for More Inspiration?

Check out CASLT’s Languages Build video series, where experts discuss benefits of language learning. These eight impacts of learning languages come from our Literature Review on the Impact of Second-Language Learning. Watching the winning videos of our 2023 contest may also help inspire you.

Toolkit for Class Submissions

Are you a classroom teacher interested in having your students participate in the contest? Check out our Languages Build Video Contest Classroom Toolkit for tips on engaging your students and guiding them through the video development process.

View the Classroom Toolkit

Video Requirements

The video must be recorded in one or more second or additional language(s).
If the video uses languages other than English or French, add English- or French-language captions to it. You can do this easily through YouTube.
- If adding captions is not possible, please provide a transcript of the video in English or French.
The video should be between two and three minutes in length.
The file type preference is .mp4 and .mov shared through a Google Drive link.

Submitting Your Video

Deadline

The deadline for submissions is:

March 31, 2024

Submission Process

Complete the consent form prior to submitting your video.
1. Note: Every person appearing in the video must submit a consent form.

Submit your video through the online submission form.

Winning Videos

Contest winners will be announced in May 2024. There will be one grand prize winner and up to two runners-up for each category. Videos will be adjudicated by a national panel of judges chosen by CASLT.

Prizes

Grand prizes: $200 + a certificate + a Languages Build t-shirt + video featured by CASLT
First runner-up prizes: $100 + a certificate + a Languages Build t-shirt + video featured by CASLT
Second runner-up prizes: $50 + a certificate + a Languages Build t-shirt + video featured by CASLT

All prizes are non-transferable and, when applicable, cannot be redeemed for cash.

Evaluation

Each submission will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the following criteria.

Quality of Message	Positive impact of language learning is clearly stated, relevant, inspiring, and well-supported.
Content	Evidence of what Languages Build means to the participant(s) is well-represented and clearly defined. Messages are communicated in the target language(s).
Originality of Presentation	Presentation contains original aspects that show meaningful reflection, engage the viewer, and enhance the expression of ideas.
Overall Quality of Video Production	Video is of high quality and reflects an outstanding effort in production.

Copyright and Permissions

All video entries shall become the property of CASLT. By agreeing to submit a video entry, the entrant grants to CASLT the right to use the video entry including an entrant’s name, image, likeness, voice, or any part thereof for any purpose whatsoever, whether for internal or external communications in any marketing material in print, radio, television, interactive media, or any other media throughout the world in all languages, in perpetuity in connection with this contest.

Teachers who submit a class video must be aware that all submissions may/will be used in the public domain. They are responsible for ensuring that parents/guardians of children who appear in the video have completed the contest consent form.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Languages Build Video Contest, contact:

communications@caslt.org

1 877 727-0994, ext. 203

Participate

Complete and submit the consent form.
Consent Form

Complete and submit the video submission form.
Submission Form

Thank you for participating in the Languages Build Video Contest!

Become a Member

CASLT supports its members by creating opportunities for professional development, initiating and disseminating research, and facilitating the exchange of information and ideas among language educators. Memberships start at only $45 per year!

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