Draw Your Language(s)! A Self-Portrait of Your Linguistic Heritage

Language is something we all use every day without giving much thought. We rarely pause to wonder why we might prefer to read books in English but love listening to music in Spanish, and yet we hated studying French in school. Or, as children of Polish immigrants, we are used to reading fairy tales in Polish and doing homework (boring!) in English – but then we also talk in English to our best friend from school. Or again, how we don’t speak Irish, but we love how it sounds, because it reminds us of our grandmother singing traditional songs. If reading this has already made you stop and think about the languages you speak or sign, and what they mean to you, then the workshop on language portrait is perfect for you.

Language portraits are a way to visualise your linguistic heritage. Originally developed as a research method to explore children’s attitudes toward languages, the approach was later adopted for use with adults as well.

In this creative workshop, participants explore the role of language in their lives through a visual mapping activity. Using a human silhouette as a canvas, attendees will use colors and patterns to represent the languages, dialects, and communication styles that shape their personal identities and environments.

This is a space for creative expression, not artistic perfection—no previous drawing experience is required. The session focuses on how we experience language in our families, communities, and daily lives.

What to Expect:

• Creative Expression: A guided activity to visualize your unique linguistic identity.
• Inclusive Environment: A safe, empathetic space to share stories and reflections.
• Community Connection: An optional group discussion to conclude the session.

Research Impact: Participants may choose to contribute their work to a Queen’s University Belfast research project on linguistic rights and peacebuilding (entirely voluntary). Regardless of participation in the research, all attendees are welcome to simply enjoy the creative process and share their work with family and friends.

Everyone will leave with their own unique portrait to keep and share with friends and family.

We aim to make this event accessible to people with different language modality and we will provide BSL or ISL interpretation on request with two weeks' notice – you'll be able to let us know when you're ordering.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics