Grade 9Understanding Culture and Society

It is expected that students will:

• compare aspects of contemporary family life and leisure activities in German-speaking countries and regions with their own
• identify ways in which the German and English languages have influenced each other

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Understanding Culture and Society in other grades click on an icon below.

In Grade 9, students are able to explore cultural similarities and differences at a deeper level than in the earlier grades. When cultural differences are celebrated for the richness, interest, and colour they bring to the language class, students are more open to sharing their own customs and to accepting those of others.

• Show students a video that illustrates aspects of life in a German-speaking country or region (e.g., social interaction, housing, shops, schools, work environments). Ask them to identify three or four aspects they find interesting and to compare these with the same aspects of life in their own community.
• Have students research recreational activities from various German-speaking countries or regions. Ask them to present their findings to the class and then, as a class:
  • try to determine which activities are most popular in each country
  • compare the activities in the different countries
• Suggest that students maintain lists of English words they encounter in the authentic German materials they use in class. Also encourage them to keep lists of German words commonly used in English. Discuss reasons for these adoptions.

Assessment activities should encourage students to build on their knowledge of the cultural practices of German-speaking countries and to reflect on the added interest that variety brings.

• To check on students' understanding of the information presented in a video about a German-speaking country, have them write postcards or short letters home from imaginary trips to that country. Encourage them to focus on similarities as well as differences in their observations. Note the extent to which their writing shows:
  • awareness of some of the behaviours, attitudes, values, or customs that are common to people of many cultures
  • accurate information about cultural characteristics, with supporting detail
  • openness to exploring the culture being studied
  • respect for diversity and differences in customs
• In assessing students' research reports, look for evidence that they are able to:
  • locate and record accurate information
  • include interesting details to engage their audience
  • make detailed and logical comparisons
  • focus on key features of the topic
• Ask students to compare recreational activities in German-speaking countries or regions with their own leisure activities, using Venn diagrams as graphic organizers. Look for evidence that students are able to identify similarities and differences and can offer logical speculations about the reasons for them.
• Ask students to work in pairs to compose short anecdotes, poems, or stories in English, using as many German words (cognates) as possible. Have them exchange their work and respond to the work of other pairs. Look for evidence that they:
  • recognize German words used in English
  • are interested in the relationship between the languages
  • try to use their language skills to create interest and humour

Print Materials

• Active German
• Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland
• Lies Doch Mal!
• Pack's An

• Germany: Past and Present
• The New Germany: Coming Out

• Deutsch Aktuell (Levels 1-2)
• Deutsch Heute Neue 1, 2, 3 (Neue Ausgabe)
• Gute Reise!
• Heute Hier, Morgen Dort - Lieder, Chansons und Rockmusik im Deutsch-Unterricht
• Lernexpress

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