Sprachaustausch als sprach-kultureller Brückenschlag: Entwicklungen der letzten 20 Jahre und Erkenntnisse aus der Forschung

Abstract

The Swiss Global Language Concept issued in 1998 recommends that every student experience at least one linguistic exchange or mobility activity during compulsory schooling. In a first section this article pinpoints key developments of the last 20 years that contribute to the achievement of this aim. The second section is devoted to research and details the findings of a Swiss study examining the effectiveness of linguistic exchange activities for language learning motivation and intercultural competence. The study findings suggest that even rather short exchange activities can have a positive effect. Future research will have to show if these results can be replicated with other samples (younger students) and other types of activities (e.g. shorter, virtual exchange channels).