DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN GERMAN LANGUAGE LESSONS: TEACHING METHODS AND PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATIONS

Abstract

The development of intercultural competence is the process of forming stable knowledge, skills and abilities for effective interaction with representatives of different cultures, preparation for professional activity in the modern multicultural world. The purpose of the article is to analyze modern pedagogical practices and innovative methods of teaching the German language for the development of intercultural competence. The study considers the main ways of integrating cross-cultural concepts into the German language learning environment, in particular: including courses and topics related to the history and culture of different peoples, intercultural interaction in the curriculum; implementing joint online projects with foreign educational institutions; encouraging students to study foreign languages as the main tool of intercultural communication. The main aspects on which models of intercultural teaching practices are based are considered: familiarization with cultural codes, norms and values that determine the worldview of individuals and influence their behavior in the process of communication; mastering the social aspects of communication interaction, including communication between representatives of different age and social groups, statuses, etc.; studying the language specifics of different cultures, familiarization with the psychological mechanisms that underlie the formation of ethnic consciousness and national identity, the influence of cultural differences on the interaction of individuals. Some pedagogical innovations are considered, including the analysis of specific situations (case-study), modeling of cultural scenarios («cultural capsule»), group discussions («brainstorming»), moderation and analytical techniques (SWOT analysis). The study substantiates the need to involve digital and interactive technologies.