Naming Conflict
Objective(s) & Context
1. Begin investigating different conceptions of conflict.
Conflict as a concept is often charged with negative meanings, such as disorder, chaos, or anger, yet many cultures view conflict as an opportunity to bring about something positive. A common example is how the Chinese word for “crisis” (weiji) contains both the characters for “danger” and for “opportunity.” Conflict is only one type of a broad spectrum of relationships that we have with other people. It can be transformed into something that benefits everyone.
Duration
30 minutes
* Add one minute for each additional group member
Group Size
12
Age Group
10 +
Skills
Capacity to express thoughts related to conflict, awareness of differing perspectives concerning conflict, interpersonal communication skills
Format(s) & Technique(s)
Pairs and large group activity
Materials
Flipchart paper
Markers
Tape
Slips of paper or sticky notes
Pens (enough for all participants)
Facilitation Tips
• Sometimes the complex feelings that arise in moments of conflict are hard to put into words. This exercise could also be done through the creation of images (abstract pictures/colours/fabrics) that describe conflict to each participant.
• If participants are stuck, invite them to choose a marker colour that suggests conflict to them in that moment and to create a small abstract image on their sticky note.
Popular Education Prompts
• This exercise could follow an icebreaker activity that playfully explores differences in the participants’ perspectives regarding issues.
• It could also be followed by an activity that invites participants to share an experience of conflict. They could then compare each story to the words generated in this exercise or to try to tell their story of conflict from the perspective of a word that emerges from this exercise. For example, speak about a current conflict as an opportunity and as dangerous or distressing.
Leading the Activity: Steps to Take
1. Explain to the group that this activity will explore our group’s understanding of conflict.
2. Distribute a slip of paper or sticky note to each person.
3. Ask participants to find a partner. If there is an odd number of participants form one group of three.
4. Ask participants to briefly introduce themselves to each other if they have not been partners before.
5. Ask pairs to brainstorm words and phrases that come to mind when they think about conflict, possibly starting with how they name conflict in their own culture/language?
6. After partners have brainstormed, ask participants to think of one word that they generated in their discussion and write it on their slip of paper.
7. Reconvene the large group.
8. Ask everyone to place her sticky note on a large piece of paper and then sit down.
9. Go around the room and ask each person to introduce herself and to name the word or brief phrase that they posted.
10. Ask them to explain what the word means to them.
11. Discuss the activity with the large group, using these questions as a guide:
• What did you notice about the words that were generated?
• What were the similarities between the words?
• What were the differences between the words? Are there any specific ethnic, cultural, gender, or nationality dimensions to the way we view conflict?
Debrief
• Ask participants how this activity helped broaden their understanding of conflict.
• Ask participants if there was any topic or issues that came up through the activity that they would like to continue discussing at a later time.
Success Indicators
• Participants create a list of words that reflect how conflict is understood depending on each person’s background.
Source: Andrea Canales, Go Girls
