Accompanying research:
Expert Interviews on Oral Self-Presentations in Professional Contexts – A Qualitative Study of International Professionals in Germany
Objective of the Research
This accompanying research examines how international professionals in German professional contexts experience, manage, and reflect on oral self-presentations, such as introducing themselves at work, in client meetings, or during networking events. Based on these findings, an outlook on the applicability to German as a Foreign Language (DaF) instruction will be developed—with the aim of enabling more targeted, realistic, and culturally sensitive language support in the future.
Research Questions:
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What linguistic, cultural, and emotional challenges do international professionals face during oral self-presentations in the German workplace?
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What strategies do they use to present themselves confidently and appropriately in these situations?
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How can these findings serve as a basis for targeted curriculum development in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) instruction?
Oral self-presentation is more than just a linguistic act—it is a central component of professional identity formation and first impressions.
Methods Used:
1. Problem-centered expert interviews
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Objective: To gain a deeper understanding of the real challenges and strategies involved in self-presentation in everyday German work life.
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Participants: International professionals in various academic fields in Germany.
2. Qualitative content analysis
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The interview data is evaluated and interpreted thematically.
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Objective: To identify structured patterns and typical challenges (e.g., “overwhelm due to a lack of cultural codes” or “doubts about one’s own linguistic adequacy”).
Outlook
Transferability to German as a Foreign Language (DaF) instruction. The goal is to use the findings from the expert interviews as a scientific basis for future, evidence-based instructional development in a subsequent research project.
Responsible for research: Gerlind Mielke