Dubbing as a tool for the integration of older people and language transmission

Abstract

This paper addresses the first stage of a three-year project developed in the community of Santo Amaro — Sao Tome and Principe — where many older people are living in circumstances of exclusion or risk of exclusion. Based on an understanding of language as an essential element of culture, dubbing is presented as a playful and attractive initiative for all generations, allowing them to socialise with one another and contribute to the transmission of Forro Creole, and also serving to integrate the older people into the wider community. We started by designing a series of questionnaires to measure participants’ attitudes towards the language and its speakers. Secondly, groups of children and older people were organised to dub cartoons into Forro. Finally, the groups of children were surveyed again to learn about how they experienced these activities in terms of language and intergenerational interaction. We found that dubbing enhances socialisation between the participating older people and children, introduces Forro Creole to the youngest generation, and facilitates a change in the perception of Creoles and their speakers — mainly older people. It is also a useful tool for enhancing the well-being and integration of older people within coordinated projects for sustainable development cooperation in the community.