GER 435Varieties and dialects of German

3 credits · German · Penn State

This course surveys the varieties, dialects, and flavors of German around the world. The class compares and contrasts traditional dialects of German (e.g., Hochdeutsch 'Standard German') with other varieties of German (e.g., Kiezdeutsch, Namdeutsch). Students will examine the structure of these language varieties across social, stylistic, and cultural spaces. Students will gain insight into ongoing changes in the language that extend beyond what is commonly taught in textbooks. Students will also explore how German dialects differ linguistically from another and how speakers use alternate forms of German for specific purposes, meanings, and functions. This course is conducted primarily in German.