FORMATION OF STUDENTS’ ETHNOCULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the need to create a comfortable educational environment for students from diverse backgrounds in Russia’s multi­national society. The authors see a solution in developing the ethno­cultural identity of students at a pedagogical university, based on respect and a positive attitude toward the cultural heri­tage of different peoples, as a key to their future success in school. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the feasibility of using authentic materials and interactive ethnocultural tasks in foreign language lessons to foster students’ ethno­cultural identity. The article describes key aspects of the study aimed at introducing students to the history and culture of Russian Germans through the study of their litera­ture, folklore, games, and traditions. To confirm the effectiveness of using authentic materials and interactive tasks in practical German language classes and practical training, the results of a survey of students from Russian German fami­lies are presented, demonstrating their medium to high levels of self-identification and cultural engagement.