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Why study German at RHS?. 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 2 nd language in much of East Europe! 2nd most popular business language worldwide. (DAAD)
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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)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
Ästhetics! • Rich culture and history • It is famous for its philosophers, musicians, writers and artists. • Imagine enjoying all that in the original German language!
AND... Because the students LOVE it!