German Linguistics

Catalog description

This course will introduce students to the many facets of the German language from the times of the Germanic tribes to contemporary dialects. Course topics include: a brief overview of the historical development of Germanic languages, including Dutch, English and the Scandinavian languages (Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, Danish) and distinct dialects such as Swiss German, Austrian dialects, Bavarian, and Yiddish; use of the German language in an international context, in literature, the youth culture, and in contemporary media; an introduction to German phonetics and to recent developments in German such as the decline in the use of the genitive case and variations in vocabulary and grammar between East and West Germans. It will include spoken and written German in countries within and beyond Europe, including the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Eastern Europe and New York City (Yiddish), and Pennsylvania German of the Mennonites and Amish.