Songs to the Perception of the cultural Knowledge and their contrastive Analysis for the Training of the intercultural Consciousness

Abstract

Songs have been mirrors of individual folk cultures since ancient times and the story of songs is as old as human history. They can play an important role in the perception of other cultures and for the training of intercultural competence, because they reflect social realities and the spirit of the times in each respective culture. Songs often deal with socially critical, historical, ironic, sad or funny topics, which are often open to interpretation at the same time. They stimulate effective and positive communication among people. This study was based upon the assumption that songs in modern German as a foreign language (GFL) lessons can fulfill very specific and varying functions and that their use can enrich diversity in GFL lessons. It deals with the examination of songs in foreign language lessons and explores the possible benefits they provide for intercultural learning. Based on the implementation of the three songs, it will be shown how creative work with music is a promising way to enhance intercultural learning. Songs with regional content include important impulses for intercultural learning and encourage at the same time a creative approach to the foreign language. This study has shown that the role of songs for the understanding of cultural peculiarities and the analysis of such songs for training intercultural awareness in GFL teaching is of diverse importance. Therefore, music should be considered an integral and inseparable part of the learning process in all foreign language classes.