A critical analysis of the German public debate about an early start in primary foreign language education

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-212
Author(s):  
Eva Wilden ◽  
Raphaela Porsch
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Foreign Language Education ◽  
Primary Teacher ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Debate ◽  
Early Start ◽  
Primary Teacher Education

Abstract ‘The early start is (not) effective’ is one of the arguments often used in the political debate about early start policies in foreign language (FL) education in Europe and beyond. This paper sets out to explore the central arguments repeatedly used in the political discourse and media coverage on primary FL education in the German context. These arguments, which sometimes are used by both supporters and critics of the early start, will be critically discussed with reference to available empirical findings. As the current political debate in Germany is closely linked to its particular context and the conditions of primary FL education, the paper also provides a short overview of the current situation of primary FL education and primary teacher education in Germany. It will conclude by suggesting potential changes to the current organisation of primary FL education in Germany.

scholarly journals A Critical Analysis of the Representation of Japanese Culture in Japanese Language Textbooks

2019 ◽  
pp. 127-150
Author(s):  
Katarina Šukelj
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Foreign Language Education ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Japanese Culture ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Cultural Content ◽  
Language Textbooks

Obtaining both linguistic and cultural competence in order to develop communicative proficiency is considered important in modern foreign language education, and various textbooks are used for that purpose in the field of Japanese language education in Croatia. Therefore, it is also important to examine the cultural content that these textbooks present to learners. To accomplish this goal, three intermediate-level Japanese language textbooks were critically analysed, with a focus on the portrayal of “Japanese culture”. The framework for the analysis was created by combining the findings of several previous studies, and was used to examine categories of topics presented under the designation of “culture”, or more specifically, “Japanese culture”, the prevailing types of culture presented, and to whom the culture is presented as belonging. The issue of whether or not certain ideologies relating to Japanese culture are reflected in the content of the textbooks was also investigated.

Foreign Language Education and Dynamics of Foreign Language Competence

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 2141-2153
Author(s):  
Eva Stranovská ◽  
Silvia Hvozdíková ◽  
Dáša Munková ◽  
Gadušová Zdenka
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Foreign Language Education ◽  
Language Competence
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