Language in the Context of Culture Shock - An Analysis of Five Handbooks for Exchange Students

Abstract

This thesis compares the theories of intercultural researchers Michael Agar and Gary P. Ferraro about language in the context of culture shock with five German handbooks for prospective exchange students. In Agar’s and Ferraro’s view, there is insufficient attention for language use in these handbooks. Chapter 1 explores the theoretical background of the topics Culture and Language, Culture and Language Shock, and the topic Culture, Language and Identity. Chapter 2 analyzes the general approach of the five German handbooks for future sojourners. Chapter 3 compares the handbooks with intercultural theory from Agar and Ferraro. The handbooks are analyzed with the aspects Culture and Language, Culture and Language Shock, Culture Language and Identity, Register, Linguistic Styles, and Spoken Language. Finally, an evaluation is made of how well the handbooks can prepare prospective foreign students for their time abroad, and what could be improved.