By Hsiao-Chiang Wang (Hope)

The theme of the 2024 UNESCO RILA Spring School is "Word Springs", a topic that celebrates, challenges, and critiques the uses of languages. How do you use words to break down walls, build bridges, and open doors for people? In May 2024, we listened to, sang about, and even cried and danced in different languages. This Spring School is for both those who are present and those who are silenced.

Lupin, Tawona, Andreas, and I facilitated a workshop titled "Fortune Spring and the Book of Hope for Travellers", exploring the traditional ways of sharing hope among Taiwanese people. The workshop encouraged every participant to share words of wisdom, peace, and hope for other travellers in their own languages.

Workshop facilitators and participants standing in a circle

In our shared human experience, words weave threads of profound emotions and thoughts, echoing through the ages and resonating across cultures. Languages should not signify division but serve as bridges between hearts, transcending boundaries and connecting souls on the journey of life.

Workshop participants writing on a piece of paper

Before, during, and after the workshop, many inspiring words were collected. Here are some that we want to share with you:

投下一把烈火

燃起熊熊的火花

似駱駝被負重荷

步向茫茫的沙哈薩

赤心呵羨尋渺茫的遠方

勇氣 信心 堅毅

使我前進

啊

追尋綠洲的冀望已不遠啦 -〈奮鬥〉鄭毅

Life is too short to dwell on sadness, anger, or disappointment.

We have only one chance, so it's essential to cherish every moment, regardless of what life throws our way.

Each new day offers a fresh opportunity.

Embrace life and start every morning with the mantra

Life, surprise me! - Elem

 

Nabad baa naas la nuugo leh - Ahmed NurNur

 

जिन्दगी हो घामछाया सुखदुख सबै हुन्छ।

Life is like the rising and setting of the sun where happiness and suffering come hand in hand, nothing is of permanence - Pritha

Table with workshop materials

We aim to continue collecting words about wisdom, peace, and hope. Once we have gathered 365 pieces, we will publish this collective book, allowing anyone on their journey to feel hopeful every day.

If you are willing to contribute your words, please write them down here: Contribution Form

Or send us an email: Hsiao-Chiang.Wang@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 18 June 2024

<< Blogs and briefings