Bridges between cultures - Can foreign language radio programmes enhance integration?

Master's Thesis , 2004 , 54 Pages , Grade: B

Cultural Studies - Miscellaneous

[...] This essay will discuss whether foreign language broadcasts are enhancing
integration or slowing it down. While the guest workers’ programmes were
necessary to help foreigners who did not speak any German, foreign media
today might create ghettos and decrease the need to learn German – a basic
asset for integration. Part A of the essay will closely analyse the theoretical research that has been
done on society as a whole. Systems theory will give an explanation for the
way societies work (chapter 1). As a next step, the building and existence of
identity will be looked at. After the difference between personal and collective
identities has been pointed out in chapter 2.1, national identity as a certain
form of collective identity and especially its creation will be analysed further
(2.2). The last section of the theoretical part will explain the process of
integration (3.1), take a closer look at two main models of integration (3.2)
and then deal with the role the media can play in integration processes (3.3).
In part B, the essay will conduct a case study on the integration of former
guest workers in Germany and the impact foreign language radio broadcasting
had on it. After giving a short history of labour immigration in the Federal
Republic of Germany (4.1), the changing policy of the German governments
towards foreigners in the country will be adumbrated(4.2). The current
situation of foreigners in Germany will give a hint to the answer of the
question whether integration has been completed or not (chapter 5). Chapter 6
of the essay deals with the function foreign language radio programmes had in
the past and have nowadays (6.1) and gives examples for two different kinds
of immigrant radio in Berlin (6.2). The conclusion at the end of the essay will answer the question whether a
media market with a choice of broadcasts in immigrant mother tongues can
enhance their integration or whether it is obstructing it.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• A Theoretical analysis
  • 1. Systems theory
  • 2. Identity
    • 2.1 Personal and collective identity
    • 2.2 National identity
  • 3. Integration
    • 3.1 The process of integration
    • 3.2 Assimilation and multiculturalism
    • 3.3 Integration and the media
• B Case study - guest workers and their media in Germany
  • 4. History
    • 4.1 Guest workers in Germany
    • 4.2 Germany's policy on foreigners
  • 5. Current situation of foreigners in Germany
  • 6. Guest workers' and immigrants' radio programmes in Germany
    • 6.1 The changing function of foreign language radio programmes
    • 6.2 Examples

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The essay aims to investigate the role of foreign language radio programmes in the integration of immigrants in Germany. It explores whether these broadcasts enhance integration by fostering a sense of belonging and cultural understanding, or if they hinder integration by reinforcing cultural separation and reducing the need to learn German.

• The impact of foreign language radio programmes on integration
• The role of media in cultural exchange and integration processes
• The relationship between identity, integration, and the media
• The changing function of foreign language radio programmes over time
• The historical and current situation of immigrants in Germany

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The introduction sets the context for the essay, highlighting the increasing diversity of German society and the challenges of integration. It raises the question of whether foreign language radio programmes can facilitate or hinder integration.
• Chapter 1: Systems theory: This chapter provides a theoretical framework for analyzing society as a system composed of interconnected subsystems. It explores different approaches to systems theory, emphasizing the role of communication in maintaining societal structures.
• Chapter 2: Identity: Chapter 2 delves into the concept of identity, distinguishing between personal and collective identities. It specifically examines the formation and significance of national identity.
• Chapter 3: Integration: This chapter defines the process of integration and discusses different models, including assimilation and multiculturalism. It also explores the potential role of media in facilitating integration.
• Chapter 4: History of guest workers in Germany: This chapter provides a historical overview of labour immigration to Germany, focusing on the experiences of guest workers and the evolution of German policies towards foreigners.
• Chapter 5: Current situation of foreigners in Germany: Chapter 5 examines the current situation of foreigners in Germany, analyzing their social, economic, and cultural integration.
• Chapter 6: Guest workers' and immigrants' radio programmes in Germany: This chapter explores the role of foreign language radio programmes in the lives of immigrants, discussing their evolving functions and providing examples of different types of immigrant radio in Berlin.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This work focuses on the topics of integration, foreign language radio, immigrant media, cultural diversity, identity, systems theory, and multiculturalism in the German context. It examines the impact of media on social cohesion and the complexities of navigating cultural differences in a diverse society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign language radio programs help with immigrant integration?

The essay discusses this complex issue, noting that while programs in mother tongues provide a sense of belonging and bridge cultures, they might also reduce the immediate pressure to learn the host country's language.

What is the role of media in the integration process?

Media serves as a tool for communication, identity formation, and cultural exchange, helping immigrants navigate their new environment while maintaining a connection to their heritage.

What is the difference between assimilation and multiculturalism?

Assimilation requires immigrants to fully adopt the host culture and give up their own, while multiculturalism promotes a society where different cultures coexist and maintain their distinct identities.

How has the function of foreign language radio in Germany changed over time?

Initially, programs for "guest workers" were essential for basic information and news from home. Today, they often serve as platforms for cultural hybridity and community building in a diverse society.

What is "National Identity" in the context of integration?

It is a form of collective identity based on shared language, history, and culture, which can either be inclusive or act as a barrier to those from different backgrounds.

• College: University of Bath (European studies and Modern Languages)
• Course: MA in European Studies
• Grade: B
• Author: Birte Müller-Heidelberg (Author)
• Publication Year: 2004
• Pages: 54
• Catalog Number: V31248
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638323109
• Language: English
• Tags: Bridges, European, Studies