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This article deals with current aspects of teaching foreign languages in tertiary education for specific purposes, with reference to new digital technologies, which bring completely new dimensions into the output of foreign-language learning at universities. This paper theoretically and methodologically analyses an effective use of digital media-based teaching and learning methods in acquiring languages for specific purposes, both in classroom and in self-learning. Furthermore, we focus on how digital media can support and develop individual foreign language competences and skills. Finally, a concrete media-supported learning scenario is presented as an illustrative example of the so-called hybrid learning concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, German as a foreign language (DaF) has been intensively debated with regard to certain deficits in cultural mediation, with the aim of (re-)integrating cultural content in teaching DaF. This article discusses the reasons for the unsatisfactory state of affairs, and points out the important role of Cultural Theory in teaching, and the potential use of the concept of Linguistic Landscapes (as developed in Cultural Studies) to open up new perspectives for DaF teaching by accentuating the close connection between language and culture. In the second part of the paper the didactic potential of this concept is clarified by introducing several suggestions for lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]