A community-based approach to language and culture learning and maintenance. A case study of the Deutsch in Christchurch initiative

Master's Thesis from the year 2022 in the subject Didactics for the subject German - German as a Foreign Language, grade: A, University of Canterbury, language: English, abstract: This project proposes an interdisciplinary, community-based approach to maintenance and developing or passing on, to next generations and the wider society, of a minority language and culture. It takes the "Deutsch in Christchurch" centre as a case study in the implementation of such an approach. The case study consists of two parts: a description and analysis of the story of Deutsch in Christchurch, and a survey held among participants in the centre's activities and events, to explore attitudes and experiences of the target group. The study aims to explore and bring together experiences and insights from cultural studies, social psychology, sociology and education, amongst others, in order to try and positively impact the lives of members of minority communities and associated individuals across Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere. It shows that in order to create these results, an integrated and holistic approach is needed.