New research: Language learning should be embodied and creative

What if languages were learned through singing, dancing, theatre, and circus? Learning a language through the arts is valuable, as a recent study by the ELLA project shows that embodied and creative activities can, for example, support vocabulary acquisition.

"Children grasp concepts and remember words better when they also interpret them through embodied activity," says Eeva Anttila, leader of the ELLA project. Anttila works as professor of dance pedagogy in Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki.

Embodied and artistic activities support learners in their use of language and encourage them to be creative in their interactions.

"At the same time, they enjoy the freedom to move in preschool or during class, and this joy also extends to their language learning."

Active and creative language learning would also bring much-needed extra movement into the school day. Only about half of primary school pupils take the recommended levels of physical activity. 

Unique, multidisciplinary composition

The ELLA research project (2021-2024), funded mainly by the Kone Foundation and led by Uniarts Helsinki, will expand our understanding of language, language learning, learning in general, and the interconnectedness of art. The project aims to reform pedagogical practices in different learning environments and to stimulate critical debate on how educational structures can better respond to societal changes.

The premise for ELLA’s research has been the conception of language as active doing, as languaging. According to Professor Anttila, such a holistic view on language has gained ground in applied linguistics in recent years. The research team is also committed to a view of the embodied basis of learning.

The international research team is made up of language teachers, teacher trainers, artists, art teachers and researchers from various disciplines such as applied linguistics and art education.  

"The composition of our research team has been unique in studying these phenomena," says Anttila.

A great toolkit for Finnish learners

The research project's broad understanding of language as embodied and creative activity could also transform the language learning approaches in the context of adult education.

The ELLA project studied multilingual and multicultural choirs and embodied language learning workshops as part of voluntary activities supporting integration.  

Researchers worked in multi-professional teams in adult education contexts such as adult education centres, as part of public cultural services and in a multicultural centre.

"The results show that artistic activities also bring playfulness and joy to language learning for adults. It motivates and encourages language production, experimentation and creative use of language," says Anttila.

Music, singing, creative movement and dance bring many senses and many ways to language learning. They support interaction and practice speaking.

Language is part of all learning - including art learning

The results of the ELLA project highlight the potential of arts and embodied methods at all levels and in all areas of education.

"Language is a key element in all learning. Therefore, how language is understood, taught and used is of great importance", Eeva Anttila says.

According to the researchers, embodied and artistic activities should not be seen as a separate area in language learning or in the education system, since language and art, as key phenomena in human life, are interlinked in many ways.

Interview requests

Professor of Dance Pedagogy Eeva Anttila, Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki

• +358405858415
• eeva.anttila@uniarts.fi