Conference in Vienna: multilingualism as a key to democracy!

Conference in Vienna: multilingualism as a key to democracy!

On February 28 and March 1, 2025, the annual conference of the Austrian Association for German took place as a foreign and second language (ÖDAF) at the University of Education in Vienna. The conference, under the motto "Talking to*Together - Democracy: Multilingualism as Pioneers", focused on the central role of multilingualism in education and democratic processes. Experts like Thomas Fritz from the University of Vienna illustrate that the recognition of the linguistic resources of all learners is essential to effectively shape democracy education. Fritz emphasized that adherence to one -languageism was not only undemocratic, but also as a act of violence, while Beatrice Müller from KPH Vienna/Lower Austria demanded the systematic promotion of multilingualism in schools as essential. Müller criticized the stigmatization of multilingualism, which often leads to feelings of inferiority.

experts demand reforms

The experts participating in the conference agree that the recognition of multilingualism of German funding does not stand in the way, but rather enriches them. In this context, ÖDAF appeals to the future Minister of Education Christoph Return to rely on scientific expertise and to use professional didactics for the development of multilingual concepts. These concepts are essential for contemporary language support that meets the needs of the learners. According to bimm.at also as a forum for professional exchange about the promotion of democratic principles in the DAF-, DAZ- and Basic Education.