IGNOU launches German Programme
06 October, 2010IGNOU’s School of Foreign Languages (SOFL) has launched 'Diploma in Teaching German’ as a Foreign Language Programme at the University's Convention Centre on October 13. The Programme is developed in collaboration with Max Mueller Bhavan, Goethe Institut, New Delhi and University of Vienna.
The key speakers at the event were Professor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor; Mr. Eberhard Weller, Regional Language Director, Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan, South Asia; Mr. Heiko Sievers, Regional Director, Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan, South Asia; H.E. Thomas Matussek, Ambassador of Germany to India; H.E. Dr. Ferdinand Maultaschl, Ambassador of Austria to India; and H.E. Philippe Welti, Ambassador of Switzerland to India.
The Programmme has been designed to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of German teachers within Schools in the country. It is being run by the School of Foreign Languages, IGNOU and Coordinated by Prof. Renu Bharadwaj.
Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai commented, “Experts from three world renowned Institutes have joined hands for the launch of this Programme. Ambassadors from three German speaking countries are here for the formal launch. A team from Goethe Institut has developed tools for the Diploma programme and it will be jointly certified by IGNOU, University of Vienna and Goethe Institut. “
Mr. Eberhard Weller, Regional Language Director, Goethe- Institut, Max Muller Bhavan, South-Asia and Mr. Heiko Sievers , Regional Director, Goethe- Institut, Max Muller Bhavan, South- Asia addressed the audience. Also present were Dr G. Chaudhuri, Director, School of Foreign Languages, Prof. Renu Bharadwaj, Programme Coordinator and Dr. D.K. Chaudhary, Pro-Vice Chancellor , IGNOU.
H.E. Thomas Matussek, Ambassador of Germany to India remarked that the launch of the Training programme in German language was a part of the German Embassy’s endeavour to spread awareness about their country in India, especially in second tier cities.”Learning German opens doors to 13 European countries. Foreign language training has become a necessity today,” he added.
In his lecture, Professor Hans-Jurgen Krumm focused on the advantages of Multilingualism. “Europe has a smaller number of languages as compared to India. The 27 European States have just 23 languages. Europe follows the one State, One language philosophy. Mono- lingualism is a disease which is treatable. In Europe, insight has been growing that one language is not enough.
Multilingualism trains intellectual development of the speakers and learning new languages consolidates culture. India is an example of a Multi lingual society and it presents an example of good practice to Europe,” he added.
Professor Hans-Jürgen Krumm, University of Vienna delivered a lecture titled ‘Heterogeneity, Multilingualism and Teacher Education: What Europe Can Learn from India.’ Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. D.K. Choudhary gave Vote of Thanks.
