Students enjoy a taste of Catalonia: online masterclass with chef Roger Vilaginés
Organiser: Pol Masdeu Cañellas
Vilaginés selected these dishes not only for their status as Catalan culinary icons, but also because they feature ingredients that are affordable and easy to find in the UK. Furthermore, he ensured that the dishes could easily be adapted to suit a vegetarian diet, making the experience inclusive for all participants.
This session allowed students to follow along in real-time, preparing the dishes in their own kitchens while being able to record their progress live. This allowed Vilaginés to provide personalized feedback, ensuring that everyone was on track. Once the cooking was complete, students were able to enjoy the dishes, turning the session into a shared dinner experience with their classmates, as most of them decided to cook together in the same space.
The masterclass wasn't just about cooking; it also served several pedagogical objectives. The session was entirely in Catalan, which became an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their language skills, particularly in using cooking-related vocabulary and understanding the imperative form and other structures used in giving instructions.
Beyond the language, the activity also enriched students' socio-cultural competence. Roger Vilaginés shared the history and significance of the dishes, offering insights into Catalan gastronomy, which is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors and traditions.
Lucy Taylor, a student who participated in the masterclass, shared her experience: "The Catalan Department organised a cooking class so that students could gain an insight into traditional Catalan cooking alongside practicing their Catalan with chef, Roger Vilaginés. This online workshop was amazing as it let us share Catalan food and culture with, not only our classmates, but also our friends. I really enjoyed the experience as it was a really fun and interactive way of connecting to Catalan language and culture and the food was delicious!"
This event was also a significant social occasion, connecting Catalan language students not only from the University of Liverpool but also from the University of Cambridge. The shared experience fostered new friendships and networking opportunities between the two universities. Lucy Taylor also highlighted the importance of these types of activities: "One of the standout features of the University of Liverpool’s Catalan Department is their dedication to extra-curricular activities. The numerous cultural activities, including cooking workshops, film discussions and literary events, have allowed me to share in my love for Catalan with my peers and students from other universities. These experiences have been vital in making me feel part of a community dedicated to the promotion of a beautiful language and culture"
This activity was made possible with the support of the Institut Ramon Llull, the public institution dedicated to promoting Catalan language and culture internationally.
Back to: Centre for Teaching Excellence in Language Learning
