How receptive is the British public to the history and culture of its close neighbours in German-speaking Europe? This discussion between six industry specialists from publishing, theatre and the art world explores the practical challenges and cultural considerations for presenting German language culture to a British audience. It treats such questions as: have the fall of the wall, the increased profile of contemporary German-language film and literature in translation, and the successful hosting of the 2006 World Cup altered British attitudes to the German-speaking countries, or do representatives of all things German still find themselves battling against ingrained stereotypes? Is the dramatic decline in European language learning at British schools cementing intolerance and cultural indifference for generations to come, or might it actually increase the market for translation and specialist cultural mediation?

Panel

Michael Schmidt, Professor of Poetry (Glasgow), Editor Carcanet Press Christoph Grunenberg, Director of Tate Liverpool
Karen Leeder, Reader in German (Oxford), Translator
Walter Meierjohann, Associate Director at Young Vic Theatre, London
Rebecca Morrisson, Editor of New Books in German (London)