Living Dictionaries Erasmus Project

Project Title

Living Dictionaries

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for youth

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2015

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: EU Citizenship, EU awareness and Democracy; International cooperation, international relations, development cooperation; Youth (Participation, Youth Work, Youth Policy)

Project Summary

Taking part in the project „Living Dictionaries,“ young people from three different groups from Germany and Austria discussed the transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP) for 10 months. Their emphasis was on three topics: first, TTIP and its impact on EU-citizens; second, TTIP and its impact on transatlantic relations; and finally, the global role of the transatlantic partners and how TTIP will affect other countries. The goal of the project was to educate and empower the participants themselves as „living dictionaries“ by working on an actual dictionary dealing with TTIP from A to Z. Therefore, each of the three groups met on a regular basis in their respective hometown to learn on TTIP and prepare also an online dictionary on TTIP. Moreover, all groups plus other interested people met two times to learn together. Supported by professionals they discussed and conceptualized the dictionary, helping each other to apply new techniques and broaden their abilities to understand political issues and engage in political discussions. Hence, the result of the process was not only an online dictionary, which is accessible for everyone interested even after the termination of the project but also empowered and active European citizen. In addition, the online dictionary was also designed and printed on paper. The groups were able to gain expertise by educating themselves and invite and motive other interested youth to join their activities and develop pleasure in grappling with European topics. Their autonomous and very successful examination with TTIP showed them that even complicated and polarizing political issues can be understood by non-professionals. Hence, they learned that everyone can and also should participate in the political process.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 11150 Eur

Project Coordinator

YAP! Young. Active. Passionate. & Country: DE

Project Partners

• Jugare
• Basisgruppe Gesellschaftskritik