Sociolinguistic Landscapes: German Language, Society, and Identity

Introduction to German sociolinguistics. Explores socio-cultural aspects of German language variation (spatial, chronological, social) and construction of social identities through language. Questions addressed: What is the German language, who are its speakers, and what do standard and non-standard varieties look like? How has German evolved, how does it continue to develop, and what factors impact its development? How do social variables (age, gender, social distance, etc.) relate to language use? Texts from linguistics, literature, film/music, and news media analyzed to understand impact of linguistic variation on human, personal experience in German-speaking world. Taught in German.