FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEXTBOOK AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATIONAL CONCEPTUAL SPHERE

Abstract

The article examines a foreign language textbook as a source of information about the conceptual sphere of the studied linguistic society. The “Im Klartext” teaching and methodological kit, designed for students studying international studies, is used as an example. The implementation of the textbook’s key functions, which determine its quality, is analyzed: informational, communicative, motivating, developmental, and control functions. The sources of cultural and conceptual information in the textbook are described: 1) the semantics of the vocabulary verbalizing the concepts being studied and 2) information from foreign-language texts containing linguacultural facts and data. Examples of textbook texts and visual aids, equipped with a system of exercises aimed at introducing new knowledge and assimilating it, are presented. The developed criteria used in writing textbook texts containing information on the conceptual sphere of the German language are presented: 1) presentation of information on the concepts studied, 2) compliance with the students’ language level, 3) optimal text length, 4) compliance with the text topics and the curriculum. When creating and selecting visual aids: 1) reflection of the figurative component of the concept structure, 2) informativeness, 3) functionality. The study concludes that the textbook is useful as a source of information on the conceptual sphere of language and society. The result is that students develop cultural and conceptual knowledge, which is essential for preparing them for intercultural communication in their professional activities in the international arena.