CelsaLab

Inclusive language has been debated for several decades in France and Germany. Some see it as a feminist advance and an issue of visibility for women in society. But others find it unnecessary or even degrading for their language. A comparative view on the debate via political science, history and (variations) linguistics.

A feminist advance for some, a decline in language for others. Gender sensitive language is constantly debated, both in France and in Germany. But what differences regarding this topic exist between the two neighboring countries? And are there perhaps even similarities? The following article compares both countries in regards to usage and arguments of gender sensitive language, viewpoints of institutions and presents expert opinions, as well as an in-depth interview. Continuer la lecture de « Gender Sensitive Language: A Franco-German Perspective to Understand the Debate #Futur2 »

Lots of practice in the company, attractive remuneration and good career opportunities after training: A matter of course at a German vocational school. But in France, things look quite different.

German vocational training takes place largely in a dual system, in which trainees are employed in a company and complete the practical part of their training there. At the same time, they attend the vocational school, where the theoretical part of the training takes place. The dual system is an essential pillar for covering the shortage of skilled labor in Germany and is chosen by more than half of the age group as an entry into a skilled professional and gainful employment. Continuer la lecture de « Looking across borders: The great comparison of vocational high schools in Germany and France #Futur2 »

Atomkraft? Nein, danke!

« We are here, we are loud, because you want nuclear power back! » (« Wir sind hier, wir sind laut, weil ihr wieder Atomkraft wollt! ») – « Against nuclear power, for the climate – on the streets, again and again! » („Gegen Kernkraft, für das Klima – auf die Straßen, immer wieder! ») – For years, these were the sort of slogans that could be heard echoing through the streets of Germany. But while large parts of the German population have been critical of nuclear power in recent decades, it was seen mostly positively in its early days of civilian use. In the 1970s, it was considered to be safe, cheap, modern and resource efficient. However, the public perception changed following the nuclear accidents at Three Miles Island (1979) and Chernobyl (1986) and their impact which also affected the German population. More and more Germans began to speak out – against nuclear energy. In 2002, the decision was made to gradually phase out nuclear energy. However, the debate wasn’t over yet: in 2010, the government after next extended the nuclear phase-out by decades – only to advance it back to the end of 2022 a year later, influenced by the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. Continuer la lecture de « Nuclear plants: To close or not to close? The opinion of young people on nuclear power production in France and Germany #Futur2 »