ERIC Number: EJ1487964
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Sep
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0042-062X
EISSN: EISSN-1756-1221
Available Date: 2025-06-30
Heinz Oder Monika? Er Oder Sie? The Importance of Inclusive Language in the L2 German Classroom
Marie L. Jensen1
Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German, v58 n2 p294-297 2025
In the United States, numerous world language programs face criticism by being labeled as useless and inferior, resulting in curriculum and funding cuts. Despite defending their practicality, showing how vital skills are acquired through participation in these courses, many programs' efforts often fall short in conveying the essential role of world language education to students. Similarly, transgender and non-binary students are under attack as seen with anti-LGBTQ+ curriculum laws. Studies show that emphasizing student-driven curriculum, which prioritizes student interests and needs, allows students to interact with and utilize materials on topics that matter to them. German courses can establish a safe and inclusive environment for transgender and non-binary students by showing how supporting gender identity manifests linguistically and culturally in German-speaking countries. This approach illustrates the connection between the language and culture as well as to a crucial aspect of their identity, resulting in a reciprocal investment between students and the world language. Just as world language programs strive to justify their societal worth, recognizing and supporting trans and non-binary students in the classroom is integral, not only for justifying world language's importance and improving enrollment but for creating an inclusive and comprehensive learning environment for all students.
Descriptors: Inclusion, Language Usage, Second Language Learning, German, Gender Issues, Gender Identity, Transgender People
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA

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