Intercultural Learning at Primary Level

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject Didactics - English - Pedagogy Literature Studies grade: 23 Bielefeld University language: English abstract: The discussion about aims content and methods of foreign language lessons resulted in demands for a broader integration of intercultural learning. Jörg Roche who dedicated one chapter of his book Interkulturelle Sprachdidaktik: Eine Einführung to the role of intercultural language didactics in the teaching and learning of foreign languages makes specific suggestions about restructuring the traditional concepts of foreign language lessons. According to him the best learning success is achieved when intercultural learning and foreign language teaching are integrated. He explains conclusively that language and culture are inseparably bound to one another. Roche also warns not to use isolated or poorly researched pieces of cultural information since this would lead to a falsified image of the target culture and prevent the learners from authentic language use. Roche's appeal illustrates the growing need of intercultural communication. Young pupils in Germany do not only live in a country that maintains contact with cultures all over the world but they are also part of a multicultural society that is mirrored by the school classes. Foreign language lessons offer the opportunity to help them deal with it and prepare them for living in a multicultural society. After the introduction of English as a foreign language as an obligatory school subject in the classes 3 and 4 of the primary schools in 2003 it is now possible for the young learners in Germany to exhaust their enormous language learning potential more effectively. However how they should be taught and what exactly is still discussed extensively. The new school subject made it necessary to develop a new curriculum and new school books which were supposed to meet the needs of the young foreign language learners and the conditions of the guideli