Ulrike Wray
Associate Lecturer in German

Profile

Biography

I am an Associate Lecturer in German and I have worked in the department from 1995-1997 & then again from October 2007 to the present. Currently, I am the German module convenor for Languages at York below-C.

While teaching, I have also worked as a translator & teacher within academic settings as well as for industry in the (Haribo, Nestlé, Dr. Oetker). I have also been involved with teaching on the York Learning programme for the City of York Council. For several years now, I also prepare students for their year abroad through the Centre for Global Programmes (CGP) at the University of York.  

Over time, I have become more interested in offering students an understanding of how their own cultural awareness can help them to acquire additional cultural literacy when learning a new language. As a result, I use storytelling in language learning across all levels, by using a Japanese storytelling tool called ‘kamishibai’ which improves students’ oral skills as well as incorporating different cultural aspects. With two of my colleagues, I am also involved in a variety of community outreach projects involving ‘kamishibai’ – from primary schools to residential homes.