This book explores the intricate connections between language and societal dynamics within German-speaking regions. It delves into how linguistic practices reflect cultural identities, social structures, and historical contexts, offering insights into the role of language in shaping social interactions and community life. Through various analyses, it highlights the significance of language as a tool for both communication and social cohesion, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of language in society.
This accessible textbook offers students the opportunity to explore for themselves a wide range of sociolinguistic issues relating to the German language and its role in societies around the world. It is written for undergraduate students who have a sound practical knowledge of German but who have little or no knowledge of linguistics or sociolinguistics. It combines text with practical exercises and discussion questions to stimulate readers to think for themselves and to tackle specific problems.In Part One Patrick Stevenson invites readers to investigate and reflect on issues about the status and function of the German language in relation to its speakers and to speakers of other languages with which it comes into contact. In Part Two the focus shifts to the forms and functions of individual features of the language. This involves, for example, identifying features of regional speech forms, analysing similarities and differences between written and spoken German, or looking at the 'social meaning' underlying different forms of address. Part Three explores the relationship between the German language and the nature of 'Germanness'. It concentrates on people's attitudes towards the language, the ways in which it is changing, and their views on what it represents for them.
Exploring the dynamic interplay between language and migration, this book delves into the multicultural fabric of Berlin, particularly in the diverse district of Neukölln. It examines the myriad languages spoken by residents and their everyday usage, highlighting how these linguistic encounters shape the migration experience. Through personal narratives from inhabitants of an apartment building, the author uncovers the complex relationships between language and identity, offering insights into how individuals craft their life stories amidst a backdrop of multilingualism.
