LITERARY TEXTS IN MODERN GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES: IMPROVING LINGUISTIC AND INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE THROUGH KAFKA, BÖLL AND HESSE
LITERARY TEXTS IN MODERN GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES: IMPROVING LINGUISTIC AND INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE THROUGH KAFKA, BÖLL AND HESSE

Summary/Abstract: The paper deals with the role of literary texts in the development of linguistic and intercultural competence in modern courses of the German language. The research is theoretical and does not incorporate empirical data, but is based on relevant academic literature and didactic reflection. Literary texts are seen as valuable teaching materials because they present language in meaningful, authentic and culturally rich contexts. They can help learners develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar awareness, oral communication and written expression. Literature, on the other hand, promotes interpretation, personal response and critical thinking. The paper also shows the intercultural potential of literary texts by referring to selected examples of Franz Kafka, Heinrich Böll and Hermann Hesse. Kafka’s “Before the Law”, Böll’s “Anecdote Concerning the Lowering of Productivity” and selected short prose by Hesse lend themselves to discussions of authority, productivity, identity, personal development and cultural values. The paper also considers didactic problems such as linguistic complexity, unfamiliar vocabulary and limited student experience in literary interpretation. The conclusion is that literary texts can be effective tools for developing linguistic and intercultural competence in courses on the German language if they are carefully selected and methodologically supported

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