NaReT: Nachbarsprache |wird| Reanimiert
The project “Neighbouring Language |is being| Resuscitated: Developing Language and Intercultural Competences through AI-Supported Resuscitation Training in the German-Polish Border Region” (NaReT) combines neighbouring-language learning and intercultural education with practical resuscitation training. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI), tandem learning and extended reality (XR), it creates an immersive environment in which communication, culture and life-saving skills are learned together.
Learners participate in realistic digital emergency scenarios and communicate in German or Polish. Using XR headsets, they interact with lifelike virtual casualties, eyewitnesses and relatives while responding quickly and correctly. AI recognises and analyses their speech in real time and adapts the scenarios to their individual learning progress.
In emergencies, every second—and every word—counts. This is especially true in border regions, where effective action requires both medical knowledge and clear communication in the neighbouring country’s language. However, interest in learning German and Polish continues to decline. At the same time, only around 50% of people in Germany provide first aid in cases of cardiac arrest [1], compared with approximately 60% in Poland [2] and 80% in Norway [3], a European role model.
NaReT addresses these challenges by reducing language barriers, strengthening people’s ability to act and teaching life-saving skills in an interactive, practical and context-based way. Its combination of AI, tandem training and XR technology is unique in Europe. Learners use language intuitively in realistic situations, interpret meaning through context and learn by acting.
This adaptive approach particularly appeals to young people while also benefiting adults, senior citizens, volunteers and healthcare professionals. In a cross-border survey, 97.4% of respondents said they preferred practice-oriented language teaching, with “saving lives” identified as an especially motivating context. NaReT therefore understands education both as a social bond and as a means of improving safety.
A bilingual digital learning platform will preserve the project’s results and provide continued access to the XR application, resuscitation scenarios and language modules after the project ends. NaReT will also train “added-value multipliers”: key individuals from different target groups who will share the acquired knowledge and establish it within their communities.
The formats developed by the project are intended for permanent integration into regional educational institutions, from schools to emergency and relief services. Continuous scientific monitoring will ensure their quality, effectiveness and further development.
NaReT demonstrates how European cooperation can work across borders by bringing together complementary expertise around the shared goals of saving lives and connecting people. Language skills and intercultural knowledge are not only taught but applied in practice, creating tangible benefits for safety and social cohesion in the German-Polish border region.
Short Facts:
Funding: Co-funded by the EU Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Interreg VI-A
Project partners:
- University Medicine Greifswald (UMG)
- University of Greifswald (UG)
- University Hospital No. 1 of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (USK1 PUM)
Associated Partners:
- German Resuscitation Council (GRC) e.V.
- Polish Resuscitation Council (PRC)
- Municipality of Gryfino
- Primary School in Przecław
- Uckermark District Adult Education Centre in Prenzlau
- University of the Third Age in Gryfino
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (PUM)
- Land|Rettung M-V e.V.
- Municipal Hospital in Świnoujście
- Wolgast District Hospital gGmbH
- Fregata Medical Centre Świnoujście Sp. z o.o.
- Uckermark Emergency Medical Services Company mbH
- University Computer Centre Greifswald – University of Greifswald
- West Pomeranian Business School – Academy of Applied Sciences
- Voivodeship Ambulance Station in Szczecin
- University of Szczecin
- Provincial Board of the Association of Volunteer Fire Brigades of the Republic of Poland
- Brandenburg State Fire Brigade Association e.V.
Additionally Participating Organisations (Listed alphabetically according to their German names):
- Astrid Lindgren Primary School in Schwedt/Oder
- Carl Friedrich Gauss Gymnasium Schwedt
- Erich Kästner Primary School in Schwedt/Oder
- European School German-Polish Gymnasium Löcknitz
- European Comprehensive School Insel Usedom
- Fritz Reuter Primary School in Kemnitz
- “Am Waldrand” Primary School in Schwedt/Oder
- Bertolt Brecht Primary School in Schwedt/Oder
- Gartz (Oder) Primary School
- BF Greifswald GmbH Primary School
- Leonid Teliga Primary School No. 10 in Szczecin
- Captain Mamert Stankiewicz Primary School No. 2 in Gryfino
- Polish Nobel Laureates Primary School No. 3 in Gryfino
- Lilienthal Gymnasium Anklam
- Heinrich Heine Regional School, Baltic Sea Resort of Karlshagen
- Löcknitz Regional School
- Ignacy Łukasiewicz School Complex in Police
- Schwedt/Oder Adult Education Centre
- University of the Third Age in Szczecin
- Medical Simulation Centre of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
- Wilhelm Busch Primary School in Pinnow
Total: 43 participating organisations
Sources:
[1] German Resuscitation Council (GRC): www.grc-org.de
[2] Polish Resuscitation Council (PRC): www.prc.krakow.pl
[3] Norwegian Resuscitation Council (NRC): www.nrr.org
