"You are not interviewing Robbie Williams (*gg)"
Lektor Mag. Peter Altmann im Interview
Lehrveranstaltung: Englisch 1 und 2
Im 1. und 2. Semester JG 2010 BB
Mitten im Sommer, aber weit weg vom 8. Wiener Gemeindebezirk: Als wir
Peter Altmann zuletzt gesehen haben, prosteten wir uns auf der
Semesterschlussparty im SEEN fröhlich zu (Fotos hier). Für KOMMPress gibt es keine Sommerpause, deshalb haben unsere Redakteurinnen Anna Kallina und Eva Zanzinger
per E-Mail zum Interview gebeten. Natürlich auf Englisch, denn Altmann
besteht auch in Unterrichtspausen auf den Gebrauch der Weltsprache. Man
verzeihe der Chefredaktion die späte Einspeisung des Textes, eigentlich
hätte das vor Wochen geschehen sollen *hüstel*.
KOMMPress: Can you translate "Kommunikationswirtschaft" for
us into English, and briefly describe the importance of English in this
course of studies?
Altmann: It is always tricky translating something out of
context, but I believe that the translation "Communication Management"
is safe enough. If I focused more on communication within a company, I
might want to choose the expression "Corporate Communications".
English seems to have gained more importance in our FH course. A case
in point is the Marketing lecture, which is held in English. I am
delighted that, as of autumn 2007, the number of units for the first
semester English course has been increased.
In my book, language is simply a tool to convey a message and to sell
an idea. Obviously, English is one of the most important languages in
the world. Using such a tool requires practise.
KOMMPress: Are there strong differences in the classes?
Altmann:
None of my classes look exactly alike. They differ in group dynamics,
motivation, average age and average competence level. While trying to
teach the same content, I often observe that one or the other aspect
needs more attention, and others become more relevant. I will never be
able to please everyone, but I do my level best to keep my ears firmly
to the ground.
KOMMPress: Your passion is also music. Which instrument do you play in your band, and when do you have your next "gig"?
Altmann: At the moment, I do not play in any band, but only for
myself. The fact is, I am not very good at playing other people’s
music. That’s why I produced my own. When I was a student I played
Irish folk songs in cafés and student hangouts with one of my best
friends. Our voices went very well together. Now I sing and accompany
myself on the piano. I write ballads in English and German. So far, I
have not played my own ballads in public. Last year, I recorded a few
songs. Very few people have heard them. My life would be dull without
music. It relaxes me and makes me happy.
KOMMPress: As a musician, purportedly, the women must be at your feet. How would you describe yourself and your dream woman?
Altmann: First of all, in case you haven’t noticed yet, you are
not interviewing Robbie Williams (*gg). Being a bachelor, I believe I
am an open-minded, curious and often reserved person. In fact, I am not
very extroverted in private life. This may substantially differ from
your observation. I love people who love to communicate, who can
listen, who are tactful but sincere, who are reliable, who believe that
they have not found all the answers to life, who love to learn and who
are still full of surprises. These are the major traits of any person I
love and cherish. This is also how I would describe my dream woman,
apart from the chemistry which is beyond my control.
KOMMPress: Where will you spend your summer vacation?
Altmann: Last year, I spent the winter season in South Africa. I
had originally planned a trip to Vancouver this summer, but I changed
plans since there are more working commitments than I had hoped for.
Canada ranks highest on my short list, followed by Tuscany, my
long-neglected "love". I desperately want to brush up my Italian.
KOMMPress: Back to communication. You bought recently an
amazing television. Who or what was responsible for the purchase,
advertisement or PR, and for what reason did you select this brand? How
have you been able to survive without THIS TV set?
Altmann: Firstly, my purchase was the result of good
salesmanship. I had originally set out to buy a much smaller, much
cheaper TV set. The shop assistant must have immediately looked through
me. I have to confess that a premium brand product turns me on. This is
why I went for the next larger model. Well, the truth is that my TV set
was discussed in a test magazine a few days before I bought it - and
this covert advertising set me off, I suppose. I still watch
significantly more DVDs than TV programmes. TV stations have actually
not improved much in my two-year period of TV celibacy. I can hardly
imagine having lived without such stunning equipment before!
KOMMPress: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What do you
intend to do when you retire? Would you like to have children, and in
which language you would educate them?
Altmann:
I do not think that there will be any retiring in my lifetime. So far,
I have been blessed with the luxury of doing largely what I enjoy doing
while continuing to learn. In ten years time, I might be regularly
performing songs for a small audience or good friends. I have not
planned any children, but you never know. Life is dull if you already
know in advance what the future will bring.
KOMMPress: Danke für das sommerliche Interview. Wir wünschen weiterhin spannende Lehrveranstaltungen!
Homepage von Mag. Peter Altmann: www.altmann.cc