In the broadest sense, language is a means of identification and self-identification of individuals and social systems (Bodi 1995: 17). In German-speaking countries this can be a controversial issue. Terminologically, the existence of a nation-state called Germany (in German Deutschland = German country) makes it difficult for other German-speaking societies to determine their own national and linguistic idiosyncrasy (Bodi 1995: 19). Through the use of Austrian German language participants not only identify as Austrians, but the common language and history also necessitates identification with other members of the entire German language community. To understand this complexity, the development of Austrian German as a standard variety of the German language is necessary.
In the course of this essay it will become clear that historical transitions and political aspects of nation-building are essential constituents of language development or -as Clyne points out- the development of Austrian German norms ‘is reflected in a pendulum swing between language planning for national identity and an acceptance of standardized German norms’ (Clyne 1992: 121). Therefore, theoretical, language-political and social-historical aspects of the development and current situation of Austrian German shall be investigated.
The complex situation that revolves around the German language demands the exploration of the concept of German as a pluricentric language, which will be dealt with in the second chapter. The third chapter is dedicated to the development of the Austrian standard variety with emphasise on social and political history. A special emphasis is placed on the concept of nation-building and the associated national language. Furthermore, in chapter four the development of Austrian German norms shall be considered in the light of Haugen’s process of standardisation. A part of this chapter is also dedicated to exploring the diglossic situation in Austria. Lastly, the essay also deals with the current situation of Austrian German and gives an example of how its general prestige can be raised. Finally, in a retrospective analysis of the paper, the research findings will be analysed and an outlook of the future development of Austrian German will be given in the concluding chapter six.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 German as a Pluricentric Language
3 The Special Development of Austrian German
3.1 Development in the 18th Century
3.2 Development in the 19th Century
3.3 Development From the Beginning of the 20th Century Until WWII
3.4 Development After WWII
4 Process of Standardisation
4.1 Selection of Norm
4.2 Codification of Form
4.3 Elaboration of Function and Acceptance by the Community
5 Conclusion
Objectives and Thematic Focus
This paper explores the development of Austrian German as a standard variety, analyzing the complex interplay between language, national identity, and socio-political history in Austria from the 18th century to the modern era.
- The concept of German as a pluricentric language.
- Historical drivers of Austrian linguistic identity.
- Application of Haugen's model of standardisation to the Austrian context.
- The role of the 'Österreichisches Wörterbuch' (ÖWB) in codification.
- Sociolinguistic challenges including diglossia and schizoid bilingualism.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Development in the 18th Century
The question of self-identification of social groups is not the invention of modern nationalism. It goes far back earlier in time. Already in the 16th/17th century uniformly organised absolutist territorial states in economically developed regions of Europe gained increasing significance. Since then, proto-national forms, in which language had a special symbolic role, have activated social self-identification and the importance of social distinction from the other emerged (Bodi 1995: 19).
A fundamental problem in the multilingual Habsburg Empire was the question how the falling apart of the great power, for which every manifestation of language nationalism was dangerous, could be prevented. Thus, establishing important foundations for the development of a German standard language that stood above the regional dialects was not possible in the German-speaking areas of the Habsburg realm. Therefore, the nexus between language development and nation-building that became an essential basis for the linguistic policies of middle and north German could not play a role in Austria.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the research topic regarding the relationship between language and nation-building in the context of Austrian German.
2 German as a Pluricentric Language: Defines the concept of pluricentricity and discusses the historical status of Austrian German relative to the German model center.
3 The Special Development of Austrian German: Examines historical, political, and societal factors that influenced the development of distinct Austrian linguistic norms across different centuries.
4 Process of Standardisation: Applies Haugen's framework to analyze the selection, codification, and societal acceptance of the Austrian national variety.
5 Conclusion: Synthesizes findings and highlights the current challenges regarding language consciousness and the future status of Austrian German.
Keywords
Austrian German, Pluricentric language, Standardisation, Haugen model, Habsburg Empire, Nation-building, Diglossia, Schizoid bilingualism, Österreichisches Wörterbuch, Language identity, Sociolinguistics, Language planning, Codification, Linguistic norm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work examines the historical and sociolinguistic development of Austrian German as an independent standard variety within the pluricentric German language system.
What are the central themes discussed?
Key themes include the interplay between national identity and language, the impact of the Habsburg Empire, the process of standardisation, and the challenges of achieving linguistic autonomy.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to investigate the theoretical, language-political, and social-historical aspects that led to the development of a distinct Austrian national variety of German.
Which methodology is utilized?
The author utilizes a historical-sociolinguistic approach, specifically applying Einar Haugen’s four-stage process of standardisation to the Austrian context.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the evolution of Austrian German from the 18th century through the modern era, the role of official codification, and the sociolinguistic phenomena of diglossia and schizoid bilingualism.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Key terms include Austrian German, Pluricentricity, Standardisation, Language Planning, and Nation-building.
Why was the 'Österreichisches Wörterbuch' significant?
It served as the primary official code for the Austrian lexicon, representing a milestone in the codification process and an attempt to differentiate Austrian usage from Northern German norms.
How does the concept of 'schizoid bilingualism' relate to the Austrian situation?
The author uses this concept to explain the complex, often non-diglossic reality where speakers navigate between dialects and a standard variety without clearly defined linguistic strata.
- Citation du texte
- Robert Stolt (Auteur), 2009, The Relationship between Language and Nation in the Development of Austrian German, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/145247
