TEACHING ROMANI

Since autumn 1997 Burgenland-Romani ( = Roman) has been taught once a week as part of the learning aid at the association Roma in Oberwart. The target group are Roma children from the neighbourhood who, due to the fact that German is both the language used at school and in their environment, have no or only little knowledge of Romani. As age and competence of the children vary a great deal, the lessons take place in two groups.
The didactic concept of the lessons is based on communicative-playful methods; grammar and vocabulary are taught mainly through usage. The teaching materials, such as textbook, teacher's notes and additional material, such as exercise sheets, games, audio cassettes, textbook-CD and computer games are developed by the project. The teachers are Roma fluent in Romani who, after having been thoroughly trained by two project participants, are now able to teach on their own. The lessons are mainly conducted in Romani.

Starting in autumn 1999, "Voluntary Lessons in Romani" have been included in the curriculum at the primary school in Oberwart; they are open for both Roma children and others. For children who do not attend primary school anymore the teaching of Romani will continue at the association.

Since April 2000 language courses for beginners and advanced learners have been offered as part of the programme at the adult education centre of the Burgenland Roma - for Roma and others. These courses offer an introduction to the grammar and writing of Romani as well as everday conversations, traditional stories, fairytales and songs of the Burgenland Roma.

» "AMEN ROMAN SIKLOJAS" ("We learn Romani") – Textbook and Teacher's notes

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This file last modified 06/01/07