The Language Teaching Centre (SprachLehrInstitut – SLI) in the Faculty of Philology at the University of Freiburg im Breisgau will hold a conference from September 28 – 30, 2011 entitled “Multilingualism in Society, the World of Work, and Politics. New Challenges for Teaching at Institutes of Higher Education/Universities”

This year, the discussion concerning multilingualism is to focus on the areas of “the economy”, “the employment market” and “integration”.

Read More

“Multilingualism and Aspects of Intercultural and Transcultural Language Teaching”

When it comes to language policy, the Upper Rhine Region has long been seen as being multilingual. Numerous measures and projects have been initiated to promote the learning of the language spoken in the neighbouring country and to ensure that residents have the language competencies needed for the regional and European employment market.
Living near to another country opens up a realm of possibilities in social, political and educational sectors, provided of course, such opportunities are taken advantage of in a timely manner and appropriate steps are initiated in the proper places, such as schools and universities.
Because of political processes, questions of identity or cultural affiliation, as well as the role of regional and minority languages and their fixed position in social and academic life are very current. Ireland, Wales, the Basque region or Catalonia are pressing examples. A resulting question is not only which language should a teacher speak when working in a foreign country, but also which measures should be taken in order to prepare instructors and students for teaching and learning abroad. Read More