ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the way regional variation forms part of the sociolinguistics of modern German, linking the past with the present in interesting ways. One of the most noticeable aspects of German, even to the casual observer, is how different pronunciation and vocabulary are in different regions. The existence of regional differences is common in many, perhaps in most, languages, and for German we find evidence for such differences from the oldest texts onwards. As a counter-balancing development, the use of the standard variety in public life, including the important domains of education, public administration and mainstream media, has virtually eradicated regional language use in these contexts. While regional variation is seen as a socio-cultural asset in everyday speech, it is considered a sign of lack of education in (formal) writing. The chapter presents some of the most well-known linguistic features associated with regional variation in German.