Introduction
In the spirit of the work of TehChing Hsieh, I intend to examine aspects of identity, confidence, self-worth and personality that are bound up with language through das Deutschsprachliche Projekt.  For a period of 3 months I will only communicate with others using German.  As a native English speaker, I have never been forced to entirely in a foreign language while having the privilege of resorting back to English if necessary.  
 
das Deutschsprachliche Projekt: I think I’m turning German, I really think so...
Contract:
I, kate hers, plan to do a 3 month long performance project about the confines of language.
 
I will refuse to speak English (my native language) and only speak German (which I have only been learning for a little over a year).  
 
Acknowledging that others may attempt to speak to me in English, I will politely request they engage with me only in German, giving them an explanation card if necessary.  However, I must note here that I cannot control how others will respond to this project.
 
If I meet those who cannot speak German and can speak English, I will decline speaking to them in English and use a translator if possible.
 
Members of the German speaking public will be able to make appointments with me if they wish, which I will then document with video.  To make an appointment, please email katehers@mac.com
 
I will only answer my emails in German, even when they are delivered to me in English.   The only exception to writing emails in English are to necessary contacts at the University of California, Irvine, where I am an MFA candidate.  The contacts include the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of Graduate Studies, and Professors on my thesis committee, and the managers in the Studio Art office.  Not being able to communicate in pertinent matters might jeopardize my candidacy and or/financial aid packet since no one would be able to understand my answers in German.  The only other exception would be my CPA for tax purposes.
 
I will only listen to German language radio and music, watch German language television and films, or read German language newspapers, books, and magazines.  I am also permitted to watch foreign media, as long as it is either dubbed or subtitled in German.  English language media must be dubbed and not subtitled.  Nonetheless, I may be put into situations that are out of my control, for example if I am in a tourist area where people are speaking other languages or when English language music is played inside of a shop that I visit.  
 
For purposes of the professionalism of the project, I will be allowed to work on my computer in English i.e. to design my website, edit video, work on photos and look at emails which may be crucial to my livelihood.  
 
Other exceptions that I may use English are in a life or death emergency or if my family has an emergency that requires me to speak to them regarding important matters or return to the USA.
 
This performance will begin on February 1, 2008 at 6pm and continue until May 1, 2008 at 6pm in Berlin, Germany.
 
 
kate hers