Polyglot Lounge at Salò: Language Exchange and Cultural Courses
The «Polyglot Lounge» has arrived at Piazza Duomo in Salò. An unusual evening organized by the Associazione La Corte as part of «E…state con noi», set up by the Salò Municipal Administration.
A unique idea, a cultural exchange corner for residents and tourists. At each table, participants spoke a different language, with an instructor engaging and encouraging the shyest attendees. A truly special opportunity to brush up on English, German, French, etc., which were studied with great effort.
And for foreigners holidaying at the lake, the chance to converse and understand aspects of our culture. Each table offered varied materials: books, magazines, fairy tales, photographs. The table dedicated to Esperanto stood out, featuring dozens of classics (Pinocchio, The Lord of the Rings, the New Testament, etc.), translated into the language aiming to unite the world.
Initiatives and Courses at the Location
Even the waiter from the nearby ice cream shop, who assisted by managing the bar service, adapted to the event by taking orders in seven different languages. Almost a record. The Corte has its headquarters in Barbarano.
Starting Monday, September 17th, a course on «Philosophy and Phenomenology of Religions» will commence, taught by Professor Mauro Turrini from the Université de Paris Sorbonne. Topics covered include myth, ritual, sacrality, taboos.
In October, numerous other courses will begin: on Thursdays, the shamanic path (finding balance and harmony with the universe by reconnecting with the elements and their spirits); on Wednesdays, mandala (an approach to meditation through color and shape, based on the idea of a center radiating vital energies); on Mondays, tarot cards; on Fridays and Sundays, «The Cloister of Colors», a painting workshop with Arno Stern; on Tuesdays, simultaneous translation.
Then, language conversations. Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Esperanto are all on the list. A minimum requirement: at least five registrants.
In January, courses will start focusing on astrology and its archaic counterpart (examining the aspects and movements of planets and numbers related to the date of birth), Germanic runes (used for energizing, protecting the home, etc.), photography, restoration (featuring seminars on carving, gilding, and jewelry making).
The Associazione, phone and fax 0365-22012, is considering organizing meetings on herbalism, crystals, graphology, vegetarian cuisine, music therapy, vibrational waters, yijing, diction and orthoepy, feng-shui.
The options are plentiful among these fascinating disciplines, many of which were little known until recently but are now gaining widespread attention. All updated information can be found on the website www.colorart.it/lacorte.
