Inna M. Katsitadze

The relevance of the research problem is determined by the need to develop foreign language communicative competence and discussion culture among university students, which are fundamental for effective intercultural interaction and successful professional activity in the context of modern globalization. Contemporary linguistic education aims not only at acquiring language knowledge but also at fostering critical thinking, the ability to clearly and argumentatively express one’s views, as well as developing interpersonal communication skills in a foreign language. The aim of this study is to reveal the discussion potential of Siegfried Lenz’s short story “A Night in the Hotel,” with a focus on its philosophical and life themes, to effectively organize multi-stage work in a discussion club. This is intended to develop key components of discursive and communicative competence in students studying German as their first or second foreign language, including the ability to analyze semantic aspects of the text, formulate a reasoned position, and have a productive dialogue. The main research methods include linguistic and cultural analysis, interpretive analysis of authentic literary texts, and the use of discussion technologies and practice-oriented forms of work. Working with a profound philosophical work by a well-known German-speaking author within a German-language conversation club stimulates students to comprehensively interpret the text and develop critical and analytical thinking, activates motivation to learn the foreign language, and fosters discussion culture. The theoretical significance of the article lies in summarizing modern concepts of developing foreign language communicative competence, integrating cultural components, and discursive practices into the language learning process. The practical significance is manifested in the development of methodological recommendations for organizing comprehensive work with authentic literary texts and applying discussion methods, which contributes to the development of students’ universal communicative and intercultural competences, demanded in professional and social spheres. Systematic implementation of discussion technologies and working with substantial literary texts in a foreign language can become an effective tool for preparing students for successful foreign language communication and the development of dialogue culture in modern higher studies.