Identity and Community
Time required: approx. 2–3 lessons (2–3 × 45 minutes)
Who are we – and how do we belong together?
When you are young, you are in the process of figuring out who you are. This is called identity. Identity is about many things: where you live, what language you speak, who you spend time with, where you feel you belong Identity has many sides and can be shaped by different cultures. You might feel Greenlandic, Faroese or Danish – but also part of a larger community. You can belong to more than one place at the same time. Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark are connected through the Kingdom of Denmark. Even so, many young people do not know much about each other. This can make it difficult to understand both differences and similarities. When we get to know each other better, it becomes easier to see: what we have in common and what makes us different. Both are important for understanding each other and feeling part of a community.
What we have in common
In the interviews, many young people from all three countries say that one of the most important things in their lives is being with friends. This is also called social relationships. No matter where you live – in Greenland, the Faroe Islands or Denmark – friendships, community and a sense of belonging matter a lot. This shows that even though our everyday lives may be different, we also have a lot in common.
Getting to know each other
When we do not know each other well, it is easy to form prejudices. We may think that life in another place is a certain way – without really knowing. That is why it is important to hear each other’s stories. When young people from Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark share their experiences, it becomes easier to understand: what you have in common, what is different, what you can learn from each other. If we want to understand each other better, it is important to meet with equality. This means seeing each other as equally valuable – no matter where we come from or how we live. A strong community is built when everyone is heard and taken seriously. Then we can be different – and still belong together.
Social relationships
Social relationships are the people you have in your life – friends, family and other communities. It is also about how you are together – your values, activities and traditions. For many young people, friendships and communities are some of the most important things in life.
Community
Community means belonging together with others. It can be in a class, a family or a country. You can be different – and still be part of the same community.
Language
Language is an important part of our identity. In the Kingdom of Denmark, several languages are spoken – Greenlandic, Faroese and Danish. Language can make it easier to understand each other – but it can also be a challenge. When we learn each other’s languages – or try to understand them – we get closer to each other.
Language and belonging
In Greenland, some young people are born and raised there but do not speak Greenlandic. For some, this can mean that they do not always feel fully accepted – or are not seen as “real” Greenlanders. This shows how closely language is connected to identity and the feeling of belonging.
Equality
A community works best when it is based on equality. This means that everyone is seen, heard and respected. Without equality, it can be difficult to feel that you belong.
Watch the video – Theme 5 Identity and Community
(Take notes while watching) The video is 15:58 minutes
Talk together about the text, fact boxes and the video
- Did you learn something new?
- What does community mean to you – and how can you feel part of a community even if you are different?
- What role do language and social relationships play in who we are – and whether we feel that we belong?