Didaktische Prinzipien Der Tertiärsprache Im Daf Unterricht In Kenia. Eine Kritische Untersuchung Des Lehrwerks Safari Deutschband 1 Aus Interkultureller Perspektive

Abstract

This study sought to critically analyze the principles of tertiary language leaning so as to find out if the four competencies of language learning are focused on. These four competencies include listening, reading, writing and speaking. These competencies were measured by the principles of tertiary language learning including Language Awareness, Language Learning Awareness, Context and Text orientation and the economization of the learning process. These principles were critically analyzed in the textbook Safari Deutsch. One of the setbacks with this learning material is that these principles of tertiary learning were not well reflected, hence the need to analyze the effectiveness of Safari Deutsch with reference to the didactic principles. Analysis was also done from an intercultural perspective because the learning of a foreign language involves not only the learning of a new language but also a new culture. The intercultural approach in the evaluation of Safari Deutsch aimed to determine whether the students come into contact with both the Kenyan and German cultures. The analysis sought to determine whether the themes presented in the course material incorporated the aspects of intercultural communication. The theories that were used were the cognitive learning theory and the theory of tertiary language learning. According to cognitive learning theory, the learners need to be active integrating their own personal experiences in the process. The learners are subjective since they know what type of learners they are and know what they need for effective learning. The theory of tertiary learning stipulates that the third language acquisition is influenced by how the first two languages were acquired. Students are already competent and know what language learning is about. These two theories were relevant since active learning and knowing what is expected of them are among the principles of tertiary language learning. The research project is qualitative whereby data was collected by use of questionnaires and interviews of both students and teachers. From the data analysis, it emerged that the textbook was criticized for not being able to depict the didactic principles of teaching and learning of a foreign language. It was also clear that it is only the kenyan culture is depicted hence the intercultural competence is not brought out when using Safari Deutsch as a textbook in learning of German.