Date: Saturday 23.12.2023, Time: 15:00 – 19:00

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming hybrid seminar, addressing the acquisition of German and the parental language among Afghan migrants in Germany/Europe.

Linguistic diversity and the native language or parental language of immigrants are beneficial for everyone and it is an enrichment for the society. There is no reason for the majority of society to fear a loss of language and identity. We should pass on our language to our children because this is a trust. Moreover, multilingualism will have a lasting impact on the future of this country and Europe. In addition to believing in ourselves, linguistic diversity is also necessary to be successful. Recognizing the native language qualities of new immigrants (refugees/migrants) is an important prerequisite for integration into the host society. This is why the promotion of parental language is of central importance. This event offers the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of multilingualism among migrants in Europe and it provides an opportunity to learn and talk about their languages and multilingualism in this session.

Event Program

15.00 – 15.30     Welcome & Introduction

15.30 – 16.30:   First Session (How important are languages for life & work?)

• What have we done in the last year for our mother tongue? (Asif Bahand, Denmark)
• Language opens doors – German language training for migrants (Amadeus Hempel, Hamburg)
• The need to learn German for working life (Cornelia H. Lehmann, Hamburg)
• My experience as a Pashto teacher at Goettingen University (Nasim Saber, Cologne)
• Deutsche Sprache leicht gemacht, vom Basiswissen bis zur Literatur (Dr Akram Malakzay, Bebra)

16.30 – 17.00 Break

17.30 – 18.30     Second Session (Experience in teaching parental language in European countries)

• Afghaanse Nationale Unie, Belgium (Rastin Khaderkhil & Eng Bashir)
• Pashto Online-Course for Germans & Afghan-Germans (Hemat Wardak)
• Afghan Wolus (Dr Fazel Rahman, Austria)
• VOA Pashto video eport about language course in Bonn
• Teaching & learning materials for Pashto As a Second Language (Yahya Wardak)
• Afghan Culture Association, Denmark (Dr Anwar Naibe, Denmark)

18.30 – 19.00     Future steps, Suggestions & Closing Remarks

How can we encourage European-based Afghans to learn their mother tongue?; Access to mother tongue courses in different parts of Europe; Coordination between different courses; Quality teaching materials; Financial Support and Fundraising.

We kindly ask for your written registration:  +491747417306 / info@afghanic.de

Online Meeting-ID: 831 2873 9896,  Link: (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83128739896)
Seminar Language: German/Pashto/Dari

We look forward to your participation and valued contributions as we explore the challenges and opportunities of multilingualism among migrants. With kind regards, Yahya Wardak, 1st Chairman