English is the most frequently taught and studied language worldwide. There is not only a great diversity of Anglophone language variations and cultures, but there are just as many ways in which the language might be taught in teaching and learning contexts. As a branch of the humanities, Didaktik des Englischen (also known as the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)) draws on the findings of key fields such as linguistics, English and American studies as well as other related areas, focusing on the development of critical thinking and promoting intercultural learning. While investigating the conditions and processes of learning and teaching, it constantly examines current topics and new texts. In this regard, TEFL is concerned with theoretical concepts and explores the possibilities of their methodological realization in class. Moreover, modern information and communication technologies accelerate the linguistic and cultural exchange on a global scale – alongside with economic and political globalization. There is a visible increase in intercultural contact situations in which the use of English is essential to prevent misunderstandings or even communication breakdown. Bearing that in mind, the focus has also shifted to the complex interplay between (foreign) language and thought. How do language and culture influence our perception of the world?
Aims
The state of the English language as the dominant and global lingua franca vis-à-vis less prestigious languages must be reflected upon with regards to school and foreign language teaching. It requires a sound education in teaching methodology, which is based upon knowledge and research, to meet the requirements future English teachers will be confronted with. Didaktik des Englischen aims at linking the development of intercultural competences with social and global issues such as migration, heterogeneity, inclusion or ecology. By doing that, future teachers learn to pass on language competences as well as profound knowledge about Anglophone literatures, cultures, language varieties to their students, and to foster their (critical) language awareness.
