Frankfurt:  A Cultural Melting Pot

In her 2020 book "Speaking and Being", Kübra Gümüşay aptly states, "Language can both delimit our world and infinitely expand it." She beautifully articulates the idea that each new language represents an additional realm of existence.

Embarking on a fresh start in a foreign country is undoubtedly a grand adventure, but one not without its myriad challenges. For two young women, Aiea Torres and Aliyah Mahmood, amid the intricacies of bureaucracy, housing arrangements, and the demands of daily life, one crucial aspect stands out in their journey to Germany: the mastery of the German language.

Aliyah Mahmood, a native of Pakistan, embarked on her migration to Italy at the tender age of eight. Studying Architecture eventually led her to Frankfurt, where she secured a coveted position at a prestigious architectural firm renowned for its multicultural ethos. Surprisingly, her most formidable challenge in this cosmopolitan environment was mastering the German language, as it turned out to be an essential prerequisite for effective engagement in meetings and daily interactions.

In contrast, Aiea Torres had already adapted to the expatriate life's rhythm. Hailing from the Philippines, she pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Energy Management at TU Berlin. Her career path had taken her through various global metropolises before her return to Germany, this time settling in the Rhein-Main region as a Project and Business Development Manager at an internationally operating logistics company.

Both women regard Frankfurt as an international city where multiculturalism thrives, offering a sense of belonging even to those far from their native cultures. They emphasize the importance of bridging the cultural gap and connecting with German culture. As articulated in "Speaking and Being": "[...] language is the innermost part of our culture. It contains our thoughts, the way we see the world. [...]" This sentiment deeply resonates with both Aiea Torres and Aliyah Mahmood. For them, the acquisition of the German language extends beyond mere communication; it serves as an essential gateway to forging profound social connections. Torres emphasizes, "[...] My goal is to attain level C2 proficiency. I consider it my duty to master the language, given my residence in Germany. Beyond facilitating effective communication, language proficiency enriches the quality of life, enabling seamless navigation of German society and full integration."

For Mahmood, the pursuit of achieving native-level fluency carries a deeply personal dimension. Having observed the integration process within her own family and having experienced structural and social challenges in a linguistic context from a young age, her endeavor is more profound. It's about recognition and real inclusion, about community and a sense of belonging. While her primary motivation for language proficiency is professional, granting her access to opportunities and advancement otherwise elusive, she also highlights its relevance in everyday situations, fostering conversations with colleagues and the pursuit of personal hobbies.

In her immediate professional context, Aiea Torres may rely less on the German language, but like Mahmood, she regards the diminishing language barrier as a catalyst for personal growth. It enhances her networking capabilities, broadens her social circles, and enables active participation in working groups focused on topics dear to her heart, such as her involvement in a professional women's network advocating for gender equality.

The desire for integration, an affinity for German culture, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the desired proficiency in the language unite these distinct personalities. Both dedicate their evenings to attending courses at the Goethe-Institut Frankfurt, where they've encountered a unique blend of openness and support. Torres aptly captures this sentiment, stating, "[...] It's not just the quality of the courses that has left an impression on me, but also the enjoyable, supportive, and respectful environment fostered by the Goethe-Institut. It has inspired me to learn German and express myself freely. [...]." The supplementary activities complement their classroom education, deepen their cultural understanding, and facilitate access to the city and the region. Through direct, personalized interactions with instructors and face-to-face exchanges, significant progress is made. Their fellow students become not only peers but also kindred spirits and friends. In their newfound language proficiency, they discover enhanced independence and self-assurance.

The experiences of both Torres and Mahmood parallel the insights of Jacqueline Nyalwal, Project Coordinator at the WELCOMECENTER Hessen: "The German language plays a central role in the integration process. It serves as a bridge that facilitates active participation in social, economic, and cultural life. Mastery of the language not only streamlines communication but also nurtures an understanding of the social and cultural fabric of society, ultimately strengthening one's sense of identity and belonging."

The Goethe-Institut shares this vision, offering a diverse array of language courses designed to promote cultural engagement and mutual understanding. It strives to promote this idea through its language courses and German learning initiatives. The Institute's philosophy is rooted in a comprehensive approach that extends beyond language instruction alone. Its objective is to present the German language as the key to cultural engagement and intercultural understanding through a diverse and inclusive learning environment characterized by a practical and communicative learning philosophy.

Since 2023, as part of the project 'Pre-Integration and Transition Management - Successfully Shaping the Migration Process,' the Goethe-Institut has been offering over 400 annual free events for third-country nationals in Frankfurt and across Germany - both in physical and virtual settings. Alongside comprehensive German language learning opportunities, we provide essential support and initial orientation on vital matters upon arrival in Germany and Frankfurt. These topics encompass housing, healthcare, networking, and employment. This project is co-financed by the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) and is tailored for third-country nationals arriving in Germany for professional or personal reasons with a valid visa.

Goethe-Institut Frankfurt
Poststraße 2-4, 60329 Frankfurt am Main
+49 69 961227 - 0
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goethe.de/frankfurt