German textbooks “Russian” Crimea: the scandal continued

There are new details of the scandal.

The Federal office for migration and refugees withdrew the Handbook on the German language map of the annexed Crimea as part of Russia from the list of approved.

“We regret that in one of the approved manuals contains incorrect card, – have informed in a press-service located in Nuremberg of the office Thursday, April 6. – At the same time, we emphasize that we do not want to make political statements.” After the inspection, it was decided “immediately to withdraw” two benefits from the list of approved.

New textbooks specifically for the courses

We are talking about the books, “it’s Just good! German for integration,” developed by TELC from Frankfurt am main. Map of Crimea painted in the colors of Russia, printed in the benefits of the level of knowledge of language B 1.1 and B 1.2. This is a tutorial of a new series, published its first edition in July 2016. According to the developer, they are created specifically for integration of courses designed to better prepare migrants for life in Germany.

Throughout Germany, according to some estimates, the textbooks with incorrect map of Crimea, used by about 200 organizations and companies such as language schools that conduct the integration courses. Such courses for foreigners partially paid by the BAMF from the Federal budget. Knowledge of the German language at level B1 is one of the conditions for obtaining German citizenship.

Manuals will be reprinted with the new card

The press service of the BAMF has reported that the Agency did not participate neither in the development nor funding of manuals of the firm TELC. Also, it noted that in June 2016, these benefits are only received prior approval of the Department, as TELC at that time did not provide them the final version for printing – “in addition to some additions and introduction and map”, which is now criticized.

Despite the removal of the textbooks from the list approved integration course providers will be able to continue to work with them, said BAMF. This office will inform them of what they contain erroneous image of the Crimea and that the company is the author of textbooks correct the error.

In TELC, the company declined to comment, citing a press release on the website. It said that the firm has acquired a card from one major international Agency that sells images. TELC regrets the error and is going for the “immediate re-publish” both tutorials and the “replace map”.

Ukraine’s Ambassador: “This is unacceptable”

The Ambassador of Ukraine in Germany Andrey Melnik called the publication “unfortunate incident.” “The information we received with indignation, because, in essence, we are talking about – conscious or unconscious – misrepresentation, many users of these training materials, – said Miller. – It is obvious that this is unacceptable under any circumstances”.

According to him, the Embassy asked for clarification from the company TELC and the office for migration and refugees and the Ministry of internal Affairs of Germany.

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