Developing a Language of Play

How do we talk about play in ways that truly grasp the many meanings of play?

It is often surprisingly difficult to talk about play and thus to identify and argue in favour of the societal importance of play. This may sound trivial, but the lack of a common language appears to be in fact a major challenge, which makes it difficult to provide clear arguments for the impact and potential benefits of play. Play can be beneficial in countless ways, but the discussion is too often reduced to simple instrumentalism, when play is always much more than that.

Through talks and workshops, we examine how playing is linked to reflecting and developing a language of play that allows us to more precisely and convincingly discuss the value of play. These specific activities also tie in with festival as a whole, and provide us with a stepping stone for the changes we all hope to make when we get back home after the festival ends.