Haus der Wissenschaft, Universität Siegen

An exhibition and research project, which explores the social role of language from a transdisciplinary perspective. This second iteration has been realized by Hinrich Sachs, with Verena Plath (linguist), Julie Bräuning and Urs Peter Halter (narrators), and Colophon (design printed matter).

A group of objects – items used and designated by individual children during play – was put on display at the Haus der Wissenschaft [House of Science] of Siegen University.
The selection for Kinderwort – oder die Freiheit im Spiel
[children’s discourse – or freedom in play] reflects an ongoing study, with each item being presented in a video, giving context to the respective play, in the given language of the exhibition location, here German.

The objects were chosen from the responses to a call to kindergardens, primary schools and parents in the Siegen area. Objects included in the display are, among others: Ohrstöpsel [earbud headphones] (2023), Floß [raft] (2024), Geige [violin] (2021), Kutschfahrt [carriage ride] (2024), Fünfi (2024),
Versteck [hideout] (2024), and Weg [path] (2024)

Furthermore, Plath’s essay, which elaborates on the importance of symbolic and fictional games for children’s language acquisition, was made available.

Installation views from the exhibition venue, as well as a video still and the printed matter.

View the video here.