Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2023

Department

Classical and Modern Languages

Abstract

Stereotypical notions and depictions of the German language, its speakers, and cultural practices are more persistent in instructional materials, language program advertisements, and people’s minds than one might presume (Bryant et al., 2019; Chavez, 2020a, 2020b; Rothe, 2022). Overcoming such misconceptions requires educators to reconsider curricula and promotional efforts so that they reflect the diverse lived experiences of German speakers and learners (Criser & Malakaj, 2020). To diversify German curricula in the United States, the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) established a task force in 2020, Creating Safe Spaces (CSS). Its members have developed instructional materials focusing on diversity and inclusion, especially regarding Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) communities in the German-speaking world. The materials span various thematic units and language levels and serve as a model for other world language (WL) instructors desirous of making diversity a critical component in their respective curricula. Available free of charge both to AATG members and non-members on the AATG’s GETMAPP platform, the instructional activities align with the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements (2017) and the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (2015). This article introduces CSS and showcases sample materials that cover topics commonly found in WL courses—introducing oneself and others, family structures, and living. Considerations regarding the imperative for language professionals’ commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and social justice form the framework of this article.

Comments

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 License.

© 2023 by Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Original Publication Information

Rothe, L., Tsui, C. K., García, P. A., & McCloskey, M. B. (2023). Creating safe spaces: Diverse instructional materials for world language learners. NECTFL Review, 90, 57–79.

ORCID

0000-0002-4777-9467

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