In this era of globalization, intercultural competence is becoming more and more important for creating an interdependent and communal relation with the entire world.  In every aspect of our modern world, whether in political relations, culture, world affairs and security; along with trade, technological and scientific advancements, or travel, there is seen a greater degree of mutual cooperation and amity between nations.  The ability to speak and learn foreign languages like German is a key factor in achieving this.

The German language plays a central role in cross-cultural communication with the countries in Europe.  Aside from Russian, German is the most frequently spoken native language in Europe and ranks among the top 10 languages spoken in the world.  German is used by more than 120 million native speakers and approximately 80 million second language speakers,  It is recognized as the official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Province of Bolzano-Bozen, Slovakia, Poland, and the Vatican city where it is used as the administrative and commanding language of the Swiss Guard.  Moreover, German is recognized as a minority language in the Czech Republic, Demark, Hungary, and Romania.  The largest German speaking communities outside of Europe and the former Soviet Union are found in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.

It also has a vital function in European diplomacy, economy, culture, and society.  In world affairs and international organizations, German is used as one of the working languages in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), European Commission, and European Union, where it is the most widely-spoken foreign language after English. 

As German is a key language in the European Union and the emerging economies of Central and Eastern Europe, proficiency in the language is a vital aspect in trading with the countries within these areas.  For instance, Germany is the third largest industrial nation in the world, and a major trade partner for almost all European and many other non-European countries. Consequently, cultivating a healthy and long-term relationship with the greatest economic power in Europe is advantageous and can be immensely helped by proficiency in the German language.

Career opportunities and professional success expand with the proficiency in the German language and a better understanding of the culture of its native speakers.  Some of the fields that presents an opportunity for anyone who possess these skills include service in the government and international organizations, international business and commerce, tourism and hospitality industries, education, library science, research, communications, as well as interpreting and translating.  In particular, in the United States, German language skills are especially important in management, marketing and sales, and secretarial activities.

The German language, likewise, is prominent in the world’s academics and research development.  Studying the language allows accessibility to 18% of the world’s various books and publications written in German, accounting for a third of the world’s published books.  Over 60,000 of the yearly published books world-wide is in German.  In addition, the second largest number of scientific and research publications are written in German.  This prompted 40% of the scientists in the United StatesPoland and Hungary recommend it to their students.  The prominence of the German language in these fields is most probable to rise as Germany is keen in investing in research and development than any other country. to recommend to their students the study of the German language, while over 70% of scientists in

The internet, currently the world’s largest open source for information, has a significant number of web pages in German.  According to Global Reach in 2004, 6.9% of the population in the internet is German.  In 2002, Netz-tipp determined that 7.7% of the webpages in the internet are in German, and 12% of Google users use its German interface.  These figures make German the second most popular language in the internet after English.

Proficiency in German can also open a wide range of cultures and access to some of the world’s greatest contributions to the arts.  It is the language of the most-celebrated German writer Goethe, the influential classical composers Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, the Nobel Prize literary winners Thomas Mann and Günter Grass, as well as the influential fictional writer Kafka.  In addition, as German is spoken by a majority of  the countries in Europe, traveling into one of these countries equipped with a proficiency in the German language does not only afford for easier communication, but also a better opportunity to understand and appreciate their culture.

Undoubtedly, knowledge in the German language broadens one’s horizons in professional growth, academics, and business for anyone who wishes to penetrate and tap into the resources offered in Europe.  This invaluable asset is reflective of the reality that linguistic and cultural knowledge are key factors in integration, advancement, and success in the competitive global market.

There are several ways in which proficiency in a new language can be achieved.  The traditional way to learn a new language is to take a class or course of the target language in a tertiary educational institution, such as a university or an institute, or at language schools.  Both venues essentially require the student to attend a class once or twice a week and averages an hour per session, depending on the program.  They create an interactive learning environment, where instructions and corrections are ideally given by an instructor who has years of practice and usage of the language.  These are also excellent venues for learning the proper pronunciation and usage as students can practice among each other.  Classes also foster extrinsic motivation and a psychological effect where it forces the student to give the subject more time and attention.

The most ideal location for taking up a language class or course is in the country in which the target language is spoken.  Classes in these locations create a constant exposure to correct pronunciation, grammar, a broadening of one’s vocabulary in context, and plenty of settings for practice.  Germany has a wealth of universities, institutes, and language schools that offers German language courses for basic to advanced learners.  In addition to in-class instruction, courses from these institutions often integrate an immersion into the German culture by organizing cultural events, gatherings in the local pub or brewery, or going in excursions.  This is based on the philosophy that proficiency in the German language commands more that an excellent grasp of the language, but a complete understanding of the culture as well.

One apparent disadvantage in taking up language classes is the time one has to set aside to attend to them.  An office executive all tied up with the demands of his tasks and responsibilities could certainly not afford to sacrifice valuable office hours, let alone take an extended leave to attend to a language school abroad.  Fortunately, there exists a vast resource for learning a new language that affords convenience and versatility.

First of these resource is the internet.  Before the advent of the internet, taking up a language class is the only way someone can learn a new language without having to go to a different country where the target language is spoken.  However, through the internet, language courses offered in tertiary institutions can be accessed from the comfort and convenience of the house or office.  This service is available through online universities.  Just like in a conventional classroom set-up, instructions, assignments, and examinations are issued by an instructor.  There are several pedagogical tools employed to facilitate learning and deliver instruction in online learning.  Two of the most well-known methods are the “purely online courses” and blended courses”.  In the former method, there is no face-to-face contact with the instructor and communication with students is primarily done through e-mail.  The latter method, on the other hand, is a combination of online learning and classroom-style lessons.

Online learning of languages is also available outside of these tertiary institutions.  Independent language courses are found all over the internet.  These courses are just as varied and encompass several levels that range from the beginner to advanced.  Like courses offered in online universities, some of these independent courses have instructors who employ different pedagogical techniques and monitor student’s progress.  Though a few of these resources charge a fee before access is granted, the greater bulk of these courses are accessed for free.  Other resources for learning a new language found in the internet are tests, study guides, dictionaries, puzzles, and games.  An example of this vast quantity of free resource is practice tests and study guides for the Test of German as Second Language (TestDaF).  It is a standardized central test for German as a foreign language and is taken by students, academics and scientists who would like to study in German universities.  It is administered by the TestDaF-Institute in Hagen, Germany.

A more interactive alternative to learning a new language online is by joining chatrooms, forums, newsgroups, and blogs.  This Alternative provides ample practice for usage with, more often than not, German native speakers.  Topics in these sites vary from the German language to popular rock bands to politics.

A most obvious prerequisite for accessing language resources online is knowledge in computer software and navigation through the internet.  In addition, a basic knowledge of English would be advantageous in accessing these resources as most of the webpages in the internet are in English, even some sites for online German language courses and chatrooms.

In spite of what seems to be an ideal medium for tapping into open language resources, it is unfortunate that not everyone may have the necessary means to access the internet.  Some are constrained by an inadequacy in economical and technological infrastructure, while others are intimidated in using it.

Fortunately, there are other language resources that do not require much technical knowledge and skills.  One of these resources is audio books.  Studying the German language through audio books broadens of the vocabulary, creates familiarization, improves listening comprehension, and most importantly, it teaches correct pronunciation.  Audio books also come in various levels that match each learner’s needs and skills.  They may come in CD’s, cassettes, or in audio files, such as MP3 and WMA formats, which can be downloaded from the internet.

Audio books play as a regular music CD or cassette would in a player.  It affords for better convenience as it can be played in the car while en route to work, while sitting in a plane, or while attending to other things as it plays in the background.  Also, it affords for versatility as progress on the lesson depends on the learner.

However, the practice afforded by these audio books is quite limited to pronunciation and repetition of several sentences and phrases.  It provides little practice for usage as well as interaction with the instructor.

Language books, of course, are just as invaluable as the other above mentioned resources.  Their contents are basically similar to that of audio books, with varying levels to suit the learner’s needs.  These printed resources also broaden the vocabulary, creates familiarity, and enhances reading comprehension.  However, they cannot teach correct pronunciation and motivation is wholly intrinsic on the learner.

On the other hand, books and other printed materials are ideal for creating familiarity to the targeted language’s grammar, usage, and vocabulary.  It is highly recommended that when employing this technique, the learner should read that is of interest to him. As a third of the world’s published books are in German, a wide selection of literary works is presented to all German language learners.  In addition, many German newspapers and magazines now have online versions.  Students can look them up in the internet and access them without a subscription.

With the invention of the global economy, nations are now no longer confined within political subdivisions and state boundaries.  Instead it has created inter-dependency among nations, where each nation is part of an integral whole.  Although English is widely spoken today, better inter-cultural communication is an invaluable tool and a must in fostering deeper mutual understanding and in maintaining this communal relationship.  Thus, linguistic knowledge has never been as important as the modern world needs it today.