2007

Why study German at RHS?

2007

German language

• Circa 100 million people in 40 countries worldwide speak German as their native tongue.

• Most commonly spoken native language in the EU and 2nd language in much of East Europe!

• 2nd most popular business language worldwide. (DAAD)

• On the Internet, German is nearly tied with Japanese for 2nd most common language! (UNESCO)

2007

Science and Business

• German is an important language in business, science and technology.

• #2 in scientific research.

• 68% of Japanese students learn German!

• Germany is the world leader in bio-technology and renewable resource technology. (DAAD, GOETHE Institute) – 2 main technology focuses in Minnesota!

2007

Career Applications

• Germany is the 3rd largest economy in the world after the U.S. and Japan. (World Bank)

• Germany 2nd only to U.K. in foreign-based employment in the U.S. and MN. – 3,000 German companies in the U.S. (DIHK) – Over 100 companies in MN are based in or have direct affiliates

in Germany. (MTO)

• One of the U.S.’s and MN’s top export destinations. • EU and NON-EU Europe make up Minnesota’s largest

export region for manufactured goods (MTO, 2006) – German most commonly spoken language there.

2007

Real World Connections

• Best practice: real-world connections important! • Extensive contacts in Germany• Translates into:

– ePals – trips to Germany, – visiting teens from Germany, – constant contact w/ latest in music, literature, culture

• Many RHS students go on to live or study in a German-speaking country.

2007

Connections/Heritage

• 1.6 Million in USA speak German at home • Nearly 25% of U.S. residents are of German

heritage! (2000 Census.)

• Many students: relatives and/or friends in German-speaking countries.

2007

More Success

• Students more successful if learning language of their interest

• “Cultural distance” affects success.

• Real-world connections and cultural backgrounds similar to those of the target language/culture insure greater ease and success. (Zhang, 2006)

2007

Resources

• Many resources in the Twin Cities / MN!• The Germanic American Institute

– celebrates German holidays and festivals (German Club)

• Wescott library – German books

• German restaurants, food at grocery stores!• German television stations

(DW-TV on satellite). • German-based companies

– learn about career opportunities

2007

Ästhetics!

• Rich culture and history

• It is famous for its philosophers, musicians, writers and artists.

• Imagine enjoying all that in the original German language!

2007

AND...

Because the students LOVE it!