Why LanCook?

LanCook engages with some of the major challenges concerning how to increase foreign language proficiency, motivation and the contribution of language skills in the Europe. It does this by engaging with a diverse range of language learners at the level of instructed language learning and addresses a number of well-known problems within that setting, namely:
- that students in classrooms are rehearsing foreign languages, rather than actually using the language to carry out actions and,
- that it is difficult to bring foreign culture to life in the classroom.
LanCook does this by developing technologically-enhanced language learning materials. The materials will enable learners to practice and learn aspects of the selected foreign languages whilst performing meaningful real-world tasks and experiencing the cultural aspects cooking a foreign dish.
Cooking is a relevant task as there is currently huge interest throughout Europe in cuisine. This is seen in the number of cookbooks which are sold annually and the number and range of cooking-themed programmes on TV. LanCook implements the advantages of task-based learning and uses digital technology outside the classroom setting. Rather than simulating language use inside the classroom, learners in the kitchen are using language to physically carry out a useful and culturally relevant real-world task.
LanCook also engages with many European agendas by promoting language learning, as well as linguistic and cultural diversity, in that our project will provide for the use of 7 different European languages.  The project supports development of innovative ICT for language learning, mobility across EU countries and the integration of migrant language learning. In Finnish and Catalan, our project promotes the acquisition of less-used languages. EU agendas include the Inclusive Growth priority of Europe 2020, Agenda for New Skills and Jobs and Youth on the Move.