Warum der türkische Herkunftssprachenunterricht ein Auslaufmodell ist und warum es sinnvoll wäre, Türkisch zu einer modernen Fremdsprache auszubauen

In this contribution we argue that heritage language instruction in the form it is prac-ticed in Germany is outdated and in need of revision. Exemplified against the backdrop of Turkish language teaching in Germany, the question is raised as to why and how heritage language teaching could be enhanced. The objectives in this article are threefold: First, arguments and empirical evi-dence are brought forward which support the claim that upgrading Turkish and integrating it into the curriculum of modern foreign school languages is beneficial. Second, in times of constant migration flows and increasing mobility and with regard to the growing social rifts in the European societies, the question is raised as to how immigrant languages like Turkish and Arabic can be used as a source for education and for the promotion of multilingualism. Third, language policy deci-sions are outlined which would be needed to upgrade Turkish as a foreign language.