On the theory of a transcultural francophonie: Current overview and educational relevance

Abstract

What distinguishes transculturality and how can it be analyzed as an academic discourse? Starting with Wolfgang Welsch's definition of “transcultural”, this contribution first reproduces the historical evolution of the term from Fernando Ortiz to post- and transmodernism. This application-oriented reflection on characteristics of transculturality clarifies, how transcultural studies have developed from a critical consideration of multi- and especially intercultural processes, and which position they have taken in current theoretical debates. Their didactical relevance is demonstrated in the example of the Franco-Romance studies in German speaking areas, where it appears to be curricularly overdue to have an extensive critical look at the world-wide project of international Francophonia as well as at the paradigm of hybrid exchange processes between the heterogeneous cultures.