Interview with Dr. Marla Stukenberg Director of Max Mueller Bhavan

Interview with Dr. Marla Stukenberg Director of Max Mueller Bhavan - Mumbai

shares with us the abundant opportunities available to students of the German language in terms of business and culture, as well as talks about her fondness for India.

How long have you been the Director of Max Mueller Bhavan - Mumbai and what are your areas of responsibility?
I joined Max Mueller Bhavan (MMB) - Mumbai in January 2008. The past year has been very busy at the institute. It started immediately in January when we welcomed Pina Bausch and her great ensemble for the dance performance “Bamboo Blues” at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA). As Director, my responsibility includes the administration of the entire institute. I am specifically in charge of the cultural programmes whereas my colleague Walter Buendgens is the Director of our Language Department.

What are the primary objectives of the Goethe-Institut and Max Mueller Bhavan ?
The Goethe-Institut promotes knowledge of the German language and fosters international cultural cooperation and intercultural dialogue. We want to convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany's cultural, social and political life. The Goethe-Institut organizes and hosts a large variety of programmes which present German culture and also provides information on cultural life in Germany. The Language Department offers language courses, seminars for German language teachers and German language exams. We also support schools which offer German as a foreign language by organizing teacher training courses and offering study material. The German Resource Centre offers basic information on the cultural, social and political life in Germany, as well as access to the internet for browsing relevant German websites. We are soon going to open our new library with a great variety of books and audio visual media which will allow us to further extend our information services to our guests.

What are the various training programmes offered by your institute and what is the target audience?
Apart from the language courses, we offer teachers training courses and translation courses in cooperation with the University of Mainz. We have intercultural sensitizing programmes for German and Indian companies called Fit for India and Fit for Germany. Our latest project is PASCH, in which we promote the introduction of German as a foreign language in Indian schools. We also train the school teachers for this new challenge and we support the schools with teaching aids.

What are the cultural activities and other facilities offered by Max Mueller Bhavan to students of German language as well as those who want to learn about Germany?
All programmes in the various cultural fields are offered to the students of our institute and to everybody who is interested. They are free of cost. We organize concerts, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, literature events, dance performances and much more. We recently conducted a programme by Swiss performer Brigitte Schär and 120 students of our institute attended this event. Currently we are organizing a German rock concert in Poddar School, which is one of our partner schools, and a Jazz concert as part of Jazz Utsav.

What is the significance of the names Max Mueller Bhavan and Goethe Institut?
"Goethe-Institut" is the name of the German Cultural Institute which operates worldwide. We have 134 institutes in 82 countries in the name of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Goethe lived from 1749 to 1832. As poet, playwright, theatre director, scientist, art theorist and statesman, he was one of the leading representatives of the Weimar Classic. He is regarded as a genius, as the most prominent German poet and an outstanding personality of world literature. In India, all Goethe-Institutes have the additional name of Max Mueller Bhavan. In fact the institutes are even better known under this name - particularly because Max Mueller contributed immensely to the dialogue between Europe and India.

Max Mueller lived from 1823 to1900. He was a German philologist and one of the founders of Indian studies, which became an academic field in the western world at that time. He became prominent for his work in Oxford on the ancient Indian texts and his impact on the study of Indian philology, history and religion. On December 6th 2008, Max Mueller Bhavan - Mumbai and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya will jointly organize the first Max Mueller Memorial Lecture to commemorate the achievements of Max Mueller and also to see, in which direction his field of academic research has developed.

What is the similarity between Sanskrit and German and tell us about a few words, phrases or expressions which have a common link between Sanskrit and German?
The best example of this similarity is word composita, which are called sandhi in Sanskrit. For example, the word Himalaya is a compositum of hima (ice) and alaya (a celestial home or abode). In the German language, composita also play a very important role. There are numerous examples, including Teilzeitarbeit (part time job) and Arbeitsteilung (division of work). This flexibility exists in both languages. A beautiful example is the word Königsweg, which is Raj Marg in Sanskrit. Another prominent similarity is the use of prefixes and suffixes. For example, there is dnyani and adnyani in Sanskrit; and politisch and apolitisch in German. We also share common expressions and their meaning.

Marathi speakers are generally more able to learn German compared to Indian students from other vernacular backgrounds. Why is this so?
We notice time and again, that our students all over India have a flair for languages in general and pick up German as a foreign language quite easily – I think this is also owing to their innate skills to speak more than one language given the multi-lingual Indian society they grow up in. They are strong at following syntax and phonetic features, given the compact core structure of Sanskrit based as well as Dravidian languages. Marathi, as an example, and German both have a very logical phonetic system. In both languages, you write as you pronounce and you pronounce the way the word is written.

Devanagari script allows every possible phonetic variation. Marathi is still quite close to the structure of Sanskrit. Therefore, as Sanskrit and German have similarities, the same applies to Marathi and German; for example, drishti kshep and einen Blick werfen. Both languages also share a similar sentence structure.The close cultural ties between India and Germany may have also helped students gain a good access to the German language. There is a long history of literary exchange, mutual translations and theatre movements (Brecht; Grips Theatre) which brought German culture and language quite close to Maharashtra also.

What are the advantages of learning a foreign language?
Learning a foreign language is a key to experience another culture; a way to communicate across borders. It gives you access to another way of thinking and experiencing life. It broadens your horizon and gives you new opportunities for your studies or in your professional life.

What are the attributes one needs to learn a foreign language?
The basic attributes to learn a foreign language are interest, openness and a non-judgmental attitude; specifically the openness to leave aside the traditional language learning methodology of the Indian context is required. The core of our method is direct communication in all relevant situations in which you actually use the language. We do not focus on reading and writing only. Listening comprehension and professional communication - written and oral - is also part of our curriculum.

What is your opinion on learning a foreign language online and what way will it influence classroom learning in the future?
e-Learning is an interesting concept. It works well if the student is highly motivated and likes to work with the PC. The dropout rate with only e-Learning however is still quite high. People are used to learning with a teacher and sharing their learning experience with classmates. I think a combination of these methods - particularly joining a classroom language course and practicing online - would be a good solution for the future. This combination supports the learning process.

What are the education systems in Germany and how is knowledge of the German language an advantage for those pursuing higher studies in Germany?
The educative system in Germany is a federal system; each of our federal states has the authority to define its own curricula. Nevertheless there are common standards which are discussed between the ministries for internal cultural affairs of the various states.Germany has 3 types of schools: Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium. The Hauptschule (secondary modern school) prepares pupils for a profession in skilled trades. The Realschule is a secondary school leading to intermediate qualification, to be compared with a junior high school. In most cases the graduates of this school type follow a professional training of 2 to 3 years after school and then work. During their professional training, they usually have job training 4 days a week, followed by 1 day of vocational school.The Gymnasium is the school type which leads to A-Levels in 12 or 13 years.

The A-Level exam entitles a student to follow higher studies at any University in Germany. For some subjects, however, there exists a numerous clausus, such as in law and medicine.Nevertheless the 3 school types let bright students pass through to the next higher level if their performance allows. Those who have been slow on the uptake get a second chance.This applies to all Government-run schools. Parallel to this system where schooling up to the A-level is free of study fees, Germany has a number of private schools. Currently the educative system in Germany is undergoing a process of restructuring. This is because of international competition in a globalized world with new challenges. Germany wants to achieve compatibility within the European and international educative systems.Our Universities in Germany offer some programmes for foreign students in English, but it is definitely an advantage and also much more convenient for the foreign students if they have a certain command of German language or at least a good working knowledge of German.

What are the advantages of studying in Germany vis-a-vis other European or US destinations?
One advantage is definitely the financial aspect; study fees in Germany are basically very nominal. Some states are even abolishing fees completely in order to give equal opportunities to students from different financial backgrounds. Another significant advantage is Germany's leading position in the global market and its superior technology. From my personal experience in Jakarta, students who have studied in Germany remain lifelong friends of the country.

How important is the German language globally and in which industries would knowledge of the German language be an advantage?
Within the European Union, the largest percentage of people speaks German as a mother tongue. Germany is a world champion in export. The German language is also extremely relevant in the automobile industry, pharmaceutical industry, in all fields of engineering and in science and research. Whatever plans young people may have for their future, knowledge of German will increase their options. When you learn German, you acquire a range of skills which can improve the quality of both your work and private life.

How is Max Mueller Bhavan assisting in bridging the cultural gap between India and Germany?
Language is always called the Koenigsweg or the Raj Marg (one of our shared composita!) to learn about and experience another culture. MMB provides excellent facilities to follow this Koenigsweg. Our cultural programmes serve as a strong bridge between India and Germany. We invite German artists and speakers to India and request them to present their works or insights as well as discuss them with the Indian audience and personalities from the same field of interest. They interact with each other and many times these encounters are the stepping stones for an intensive networking of the artists and their audience. We regularly present contemporary art and design from Germany in professionally curated exhibitions.

We organize workshops during which artists from Germany and India cooperate with each other and develop results such as a photo exhibition. The participants learn from the German workshop conductor, who at the same time learns a lot about Indian life and culture.Moreover, we invite Indian artists, journalists and other people from relevant fields to experience Germany on a specially designed trip during which we organize cultural encounters in Germany. Earlier in August, artists and journalists from the field of electronic music visited the c/o pop festival in Cologne, which is one of the most important electronic music festivals in Europe. The people who return from Germany become enthusiastic cultural ambassadors and very often a lifelong relationship with Germany develops from this first encounter.

Where does Max Mueller Bhavan/Goethe Institut conduct its courses within India and within Mumbai?
We run six Goethe-Institutes in India, namely in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai. Moreover we have Goethe-Centres in Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Ahmedabad where we focus on language courses. In Mumbai, we conduct German classes at our centre in Kala Ghoda as well as in Matunga, Vile Parle and Thane. We intend to further extend our network in India.

How many students enroll annually to learn German and what is the general profile of the candidates?
We have 2100 students per annum in Mumbai. Their ages range between 16 and 50. They come from various fields - a majority of them being students, professionals and teachers. Some teachers join our classes not only for learning the language but also to get acquainted with our teaching methodology.

How long have you been associated with the Goethe-Institut and what have been your challenges and experiences during this period?
I have been working with the Goethe-Institut since 1999. I worked in our head office in Munich; then as Director of our Institute in Karachi; and in Jakarta as Regional Coordinator of Cultural Programmes for Southeast-Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Karachi was definitely a challenge because I was posted there after September 11, 2001 when the situation was very critical. I nevertheless enjoyed the cultural encounter, but security was a constant concern at that time. In Jakarta, where I worked for the past five years before coming to Mumbai, we had to contend with natural disasters like the tsunami of 2004 and many earthquakes. It became very clear to me that we as a foreign cultural institute have to relate to what we are surrounded by. You cannot do “business as usual”, but rather you have to develop new formats which are suitable to help your local partners and friends to cope with the traumatic situation. That is also a significant part of building cultural bridges. For example, we helped to rebuild and reorganize a library in Aceh which was totally destroyed. We also developed an exhibition on the tsunami which did not depict tsunami victims in the usual manner.It is a challenge and also a very positive experience to live in different countries, encounter different people, directly experience their ways of thinking and to relate it all to my own cultural background.

What has been your overall experience of India so far?
I arrived in India in January 2008, but have been visiting India during the 80s and 90s, especially to Rajasthan and Punjab. I completed my Ph.D. in Political Science on the Punjab Conflict and conducted field studies in Punjab. I am very interested in Indian culture, which is why I applied for this post in Mumbai. I enjoy living and working here, especially in this very exciting period as India's previously hidden economic power becomes more visible on the global map.

Which is your favourite place of interest in India and why?
I am interested in the cultural heritage of India and like to visit ancient temples and caves. I am also interested in landscapes and enjoy visiting the Himalayas, the deserts of Rajasthan and the backwaters of Kerala. India is full of spectacular places and it is not possible to have just one favourite place of interest in this country. I have been recently hearing from my colleagues that I should also visit new pilgrimages such as the Dhirubhai Ambani Knowedge City in Navi Mumbai.

Which is your preferred holiday destination in Germany?
My preferred holiday destination in Germany is Baden-Baden - my hometown and a very elegant health resort surrounded by vineyards in the middle of the Black Forest in the South-West of Germany, close to the French border. It is always a pleasure to spend part of my holidays over there. My other favourite holiday destinations are Munich and Berlin.

Lastly, your message to the readers:
India and Germany share a long tradition of mutual interest in each other. We have strong cultural ties on which we can build for the future. We hope to see you soon at one of our events or as a student in one of our language courses. Please visit our website www.goethe.de/mumbai or better still, drop by personally at the Max Mueller Bhavan - Mumbai.

10 gute Grunde Deutsch zu lernen

1 For Business: Knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and therefore your chances for effective communication and success.

2 For Your Global Career: Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in your own country and abroad. Proficiency in German helps you to function productively for an employer with global business connections.

.3 For Tourism and Hospitality: Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far, and are the world's biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate to be looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides.

4 For Science and Research: German is the second most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad.

5 For Communication: Developments in media, information and communication technology require multilingual communicators. One in ten books is published in German, and a wide range of important websites are in German. Knowledge of German therefore offers you extended access to information.

6 For Cultural Understanding: Learning German provides you with an insight into the way of life, and the hopes and dreams of people in German speaking countries, broadening your horizon.

7 For Travel: Make the most of your travels not only in German-speaking countries, but in many other European countries where German is widely spoken, especially in Eastern Europe.

8 For Enjoyment of Literature, Music, Art and Philosophy: German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language.

9 For Opportunities to Study/Work in Germany: Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study in Germany. Working holiday visas are available for young foreigners from a range of countries, and special visas are offered to skilled workers and professionals.

10 For Opportunities for Exchange: A wide range of exchange programs exists for both school and university students between Germany and many countries in the world.

Max Mueller Bhavan - Mumbai Event Calendar December 2008

6 December 2008: " “Max Mueller’s Science of Language and Religion", Lecture by Prof. Dietmar Rothermund, Heidelberg. In cooperation with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.

12th December 2008: German Literature Day. Lectures, literary reading, discussion. With Heinz Ludwig Arnold, Hans-Ulrich Treichel and Martin Kampchen.

January 2009 7-16 January 2009: Design Workshop, conducted by Martin Wellner at National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad.

16 January 2009: “Somewhat different”, Design-Exhibition at NID, Ahmedabad.

28-30 January 2009: Waterfront Urbanism/City and Environmental Sensitivity, Lecture by Prof. Sophie Wolfrum, University of Munich. In cooperation with Mumbai Festival.

Photo exhibition: Urban Changes (date will be announced).

February 2009
Artist in Residence: Bettina Wenzel, Cologne (February 2009 - July 2009).

March 2009
27/28 Concert: Mouse on Mars (electronic music).
6-13 MAMI film festival: recent German films.

April 2009
Exhibition: Werner Herzog – Film has to be physical (date will be announced). Film-retrospective of Werner Herzog (date will be announced).For further information on Films, Workshops, Lectures, Exhibitions, Media Art…
Please check our website: www.goethe.de/mumbai