Language without limits: The beauty of the dialects in Austria

Language without limits: The beauty of the dialects in Austria

The linguist Jörg Mußmann, who comes from northern Germany and has lived in Linz for over ten years, expresses thoughts in Austria in his editor's letter. He has been based in Stroheim for six years and reflects on his experiences with the German language in a new cultural environment.

MUSTMANN explains that the conviction that the German language is the same everywhere is a fallacy. Despite his many years of stay, he always has the feeling that he is perceived as a "more appealing", which affects not only him, but also his Irish woman. This often experiences that it is criticized for her English language and encounters the demand: "We are here in Austria, please speak German!" He finds particularly irritating that even with strong dialects he does not understand, he is expected to speak High German.

language and its diversity

MUSSMANN reminds us that language is a dynamic system. What is considered "good German" is very dependent on the context. High German, which we know from schools and the media, is just a form of the many varieties that the German language offers. Dialects such as Bavarian or Mühlviertlers are as valid as High German and have their own rules, expressions and sounds.

The demand for a "real German" is often based on social prejudices instead of linguistic facts. Dialects are lively forms of expression and not a sign of backwardness. When someone says one person speak "no real German", this often reflects a social judgment than it is linguistic truth.

Another worrying topic is linguicism, a hidden discrimination based on the language variant. Migrants or people who speak in dialect are often subjected to disproportionately high demands on their voice control, while the German dialect diversity does not get the same attention in their own society.

the social handling of language

MUSSMANN emphasizes the strength of diversity in the German language. It promotes cultural identity and regional expressions. It is therefore necessary to make it clear that there is no "good German". Such demands can exclude others and increase existing differences. Language should be a means of communication that facilitates diversity and differentiated forms of expression instead of an instrument of delimitation.

The letter to the editor of Jörg Mußmann illuminates the topic of language in a new light and invites you to consider the German language as a multifaceted and dynamic system. More details about his perspectives on this topic are also on www.meinbezirk.at read.