In this exercise, players explore communication through gibberish in different sub-teams. Teams of four will split into two sub-teams. Each sub-team will select a setting (Where), characters (Who), and an activity (What). Each sub-team communicates in its own gibberish language, which is not understood by the other team.
For example:
Where: deck of an ocean liner. Who: Sub-team A: a young girl and her companion; Sub-team B: a husband and wife. What: relaxing in deck chairs.
Where: border customs office. Who: Sub-team A: mother and daughter; Sub-team B: an official and a countryman. What: seeking visas.
Setup Requirements
Open space for movement and interaction.
Point of Concentration
on the gibberish.
Side Coaching
Encourage players to express without focusing on language structure.
Remind them to communicate freely with their sub-team using gestures.
Advise against mimicking specific language rhythms.
Points of Observation
Observe how player communication differs between sub-teams and within their own.
Notice the use of gestures when they are labored in gibberish.
Watch for fluent communication when players are in their sub-teams.
Evaluation
Did the sub-teams understand each other?
Were players able to communicate freely within their sub-teams?
Was there a noticeable difference in expression in gibberish communication?