Why German?
Why not? There are many great reasons to learn a second language, but especially German :)
German is quite prevalent in the world as the second most spoken language in Europe (after English). Approximately 95 million people speak German as a first language, 20 million as a second, and 75-100 million as a foreign language. That's quite a bit of German! In addition, Germany has been a leading industrial nation in Europe since the 1970's and plays one of the most important economic roles in the European Union. As its economic influence increases, its language become of great importance to Americans seeking any business relations with Europe. In addition, the United States has become home for around 3500 German companies, including prominent ones such as BMW, Bayer, Bosch, and Porsche, all right here in South Carolina!
Furthermore, studying German can lead to a greater understanding and connection to one's heritage, as well as better prepare students for college. Most universities require at least two units of language acquisition study at the high school level, but many (especially the more competitive) appreciate even 3-4 units. In addition, placement tests at the beginning of freshman year can even allow university students to bypass a couple of courses, while still receiving credit!
Apart from its practicality, studying German, along with other foreign languages, offers students a way to begin to experience cultures different from their own, think critically and examine the effects of globalization on the world. Studies have also shown great cognitive benefits for people who can speak more than one language! For example, learning a second language has been shown to increase creativity, delay the onset of dementia, help understand the ways others think, understand our own mother tongue, and leads to better planning and problem-solving skills.
German can be a great way to connect with people and is a language, country and culture I am extremely passionate about. The countryside and cities are gorgeous as well. I hope you come to love it as I do!
(Click here for helpful study tips and more information)
Ein bisschen über mich...
Liebe Schüler, Schülerinnen und Eltern,
Schön, euch alle kennen zu lernen! So, ein bisschen über mich selbst…Im Mai bekam ich meinen Masters in Secondary Education von der Uni Michigan, nach nur einem intensiven Studienjahr.
Vorher studierte ich Deutsch und Psychologie als Hauptfächer an der Universität Michigan; 2014 erwarb ich meinen Universitätsabschluss mit einem BA. Die letzten fünf Jahre waren hervorragend…
...Go Blue! Im Laufe des Studiums reiste ich jeden Sommer nach Deutschland, um meine Oma und meinen Onkel dort zu besuchen, und auch um am Goethe Institut in Schwäbisch Hall zu studieren.
Seit ich ein Baby war, war ich relativ oft in Deutschland, da ein Teil meiner Familie noch dort wohnt. Ich mag es sehr, in Deutschland zu sein----es ist wie meine zweite Heimat. Vielleicht werde ich irgendwann in Berlin oder in Süddeutschland irgendwo wohnen und Englisch unterrichten…Das Leben ist lang und ich habe viel Zeit, um mehr zu reisen, neue, tolle Menschen kennen zu lernen und neue Erfahrungen zu sammeln.
Als ich in der High School war, wohnte ich in Elmwood, Illinois, in einem ganz kleinen Dorf zwischen Maisfeldern in der Mitte von Nirgendwo. Bei uns gab es keine Deutschkurse (da seid ihr besser dran).
Einige von meinen Lieblingsbeschäftigungen:
- die deutschen Bäckereien besuchen (Brötchen, Semmeln)
- Bücher lesen
- Basketball spielen
- Im Wald wandern…. wie grün die Umgebung im Sommer in Deutschland ist! Viele Waldwanderwege!
- die Farbe blau
- Dortmund! (und Fußball)
und ein bisschen auf Englisch...
Dear Students and Parents,
Lovely to meet you all! Here's a bit about me...
In 2015 I received my Master's in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan. Beforehand I studied German and Psychology as double majors, also at the University of MIchigan, and obtained my BA in 2014. The last 5 years in Michigan have been great--Go Blue! In the course of my studies I traveled to Germany in the summers in order to visit family or to study at a Goethe Institut in Schwäbisch Hall. I love life in my Oma's tiny mountain town; it's like my second home. Perhaps I will eventually live there; life is long, and there is much time for new experiences. I would also love to travel in Asia, swim with sea turtles and play with elephants. But for now, I'm excited for the upcoming year with you all!
As for my own high school experience--I grew up in Elmwood, IL, a very tiny town in the middle of nowhere and corn fields where everyone knows everyone. We didn't even have German classes! (So you all have a fantastic start.)
A few things I enjoy: German bakeries, reading any kind of book, playing basketball/watching college basketball, wandering through the woods, the color blue, and Dortmund/soccer.
I am excited for the upcoming semester with you all and cannot wait for the adventures!