90min

Sabir: A Game to Discuss Cultural Heritage

Sabir is a card-based discussion game designed to explore cultural heritage through intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and oral expression. Inspired by the historical Sabir — a Mediterranean language used in ports between the 11th and 19th centuries — this activity encourages participants to reflect on heritage, identity, and societal issues (e.g., art, propaganda, borders, or family systems) in a fun, structured, and safe environment. Developed by Stazione Utopia, the game fosters multidisciplinary learning by connecting cultural heritage to broader themes like gender, diversity, and political boundaries.

Themes:

Intercultural dialogue

Reflective thinking

Game-based learning

Objectives

  • Support oral production and critical thinking about cultural heritage.
  • Explore language, cultural identity, and memory through personal and collective narratives.
  • Practice expressing opinions, memories, and comparisons in a structured format.
  • Foster fun, safe exchanges about heritage, diversity, and societal issues.
  • Encourage intercultural dialogue and knowledge sharing through group discussions.

Settings

In-person: Cultural spaces (museums, art spaces, heritage sites), classrooms.

Materials

Physical

  • Question cards with prompts

Digital

  • Smartphones, tablets
  • Interactive whiteboard
  • Padlet

Overview

What is it? A two-part discussion game where participants explore cultural heritage sites or artifacts (e.g., Michelangelo’s David, historical maps, or charitable institutions) and engage in structured debates using cards with questions. The game encourages sharing between cultures, personal reflections, and critical analysis of heritage through a team-based challenge.

Step-by-step description

  1. Introduction and Heritage Exploration: Introduce the theme of the session (e.g., art and propaganda, borders and nation-building, family systems). Explain the historical context of Sabir and its connection to multicultural exchange.
  2. Guided Tour: Take participants on a tour of a heritage site (e.g., a museum, monument, or historical archive). Focus on specific artifacts or spaces that relate to the theme: Example 1: Michelangelo’s David → Discuss art as propaganda. Example 2: Historical Maps Room (Palazzo Vecchio) → Explore border creation and nation-building. Example 3: Museum of the Innocents → Reflect on family systems and cultural approaches to orphan care. Encourage participants to take notes, photos, or sketch observations.
  3. Reflection: Ask participants to individually jot down their initial thoughts: What surprised them? What connections do they see to their own culture?
  4. Game Launch: Split participants into two groups. Assign each group a set of prompt cards (e.g., ”In my country, we are accustomed to…” or ”There is something I heard from my family about…”). Explain the rules: Each group takes turns responding to prompts based on the heritage exploration. Responses should include personal stories, cultural comparisons, or historical insights. Encourage respectful debate and follow-up questions from the opposing team.
  5. Discussion Challenge: Groups take turns presenting their reflections using the prompts. Facilitate a comparative discussion on: How different cultures interpret the same heritage; Personal memories or family stories related to the theme; Societal issues (e.g., gender roles, political boundaries) reflected in the heritage.
  6. Wrap-Up: Summarize key takeaways from the discussion. Highlight common themes and divergent perspectives.

Practical insights

What worked well:

  • Adaptability: The original Italian version works best for B1+ proficiency levels, but questions can be adapted for lower levels.
  • Engagement: Participants enjoyed sharing personal stories and comparing cultural perspectives.
  • Thematic Flexibility: The game can be tailored to any heritage site or artifact, making it versatile for different contexts.

Common challenges and solutions:

  • Language Barriers: Provide visual aids to support comprehension.
  • Shyness or Reluctance to Share: Start with low-stakes cards (e.g., ”Describe a dish from your culture”) before diving into deeper topics.

Field reflections


In Florence, the Sabir game was integrated into a Botanical treasure hunt for teenagers(ages 16–23) attending a CPIA (school for adults). The activity focused on the value of nature across cultures, prompting participants to share personal stories and origins. Participants appreciated the opportunity to connect their cultural backgrounds to the theme of nature. The game facilitated meaningful exchanges about environmental perspectives in different societies. Some learners linked the discussion to their family traditions or migration experiences, deepening the intercultural dialogue. The activity worked best when tied to a specific, relatable theme (e.g., nature, food, or family).

Further reading

Stazione Utopia. Sabir: A Project on Multicultural Exchange. Website.