Applied English Linguistics (Kurt Kohn)

DEUMA Project

Development and validation of German language learning materials for mechanical engineering

Leonardo da Vinci programme (European Union), 2001-2004

The project addresses the vocational language training needs of Czech, Slovak and French mechanical engineering trainees. At present, they are faced with language learning materials and training infrastructures which are not suitable to cover the the growing and and increasingly specialised demand in this area. Efficient training methods, materials and infrastructures are urgently required to cope with the current and future language training needs of mechanical engineering trainees and to increase their opportunities on the labour market.

The DEUMA project aims at a solution which combines three complementary lines of activity: (1) development of communication-oriented multimedia language learning materials (German) for core areas of mechanical engineering, which will be made available on CD Rom and online; (2) validation of these materials in trial courses which will combine traditional classroom sessions with multimedia self-study (offline with the CD Rom or online on the Web) and tele-tutoring (e.g. use of chat and discussion forum); (3) elaboration of model curricula to ensure that the language learning modules and courses are tailored to the needs of the different training institutions that will use them.