The School of Applied Humanities and Languages at the German Jordanian University organized the Third International Conference on German as a Foreign and second Language - Recent Trends in Research and Training, with the participation of approximately 83 participants from 15 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia, representing 36 universities and Goethe Institutes from all over the world.The President of the University, Prof. Dr. Ala'aldeen Al-Halhouli, stated during the opening of the conference that progress in science can only happen in an environment of open communication. The idea that innovation is the work of a few great individuals working in isolation is not supported by facts, as new ideas are the product of exchange, international communication and teamwork.
Prof. Dr. Al-Halhouli added that the GJU has the largest center in the world, for teaching German as a foreign language, outside Germany, with more than 60 specialized and enthusiastic lecturers, stressing the importance of continuing to work hard for continuous improvement, and achieving this through the activation of applied research.
Each of the First Secretary, Head of the Department of Culture and Press at the German Embassy, Leonie Lorenz, the Vice President for International Affairs at the University, Prof. Dr. Reiner Finkeldey, the Head of the Language Department at the Goethe-Institut, Maryam Al-Dmairi, and the Head of the German Academic Exchange Agency in Amman, Benjamin Schmaling, delivered a speech. Speeches in which they stressed the importance of providing a framework for professional exchange of experts and young academics, providing opportunities for further training for teachers of German as a foreign language, and the strong relationship and cooperation between Jordan and Germany.
Over three days, the participants discussed recent trends in research and teaching, contributions of internationally renowned university lecturers, experienced trainers, and creative practitioners of important topics at the interface of linguistic research and language education to serve as an international forum for teachers, researchers, doctoral and master's students, as well as for cultural institutions involved in teaching German as a foreign language and German as a second language.
