We developed GeoLingo as a fun and engaging way to celebrate the rich diversity of languages in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. GeoLingo invites people of all ages to share words, meanings, and ideas using simple, natural materials like rocks that are placed in public spaces. Building on work with an ‘Active Asian’ walking group who painted the names of trees in English on one side of the rock and in their own languages on the other then placed those rocks underneath the relevant trees with joyful abundance, GeoLingo has grown into a vibrant tool for connecting communities, encouraging cultural exchange and building a stronger sense of welcome in a place.

We have used it to share kupu in Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, with Third Culture children and to share different words for love on Valentines Day. Sometimes created in a collective workshop, sometimes by us, a critical element is the leaving of painted rocks in public spaces for others to view and take home. Seeing a familiar language in an unfamiliar place fosters a sense of belonging, eases the tension of living between different worlds and strengthens ties to local people and places, all while having a bit of fun.