Germany
Standard German is spoken by approximately 95 million people worldwide. This book provides an introduction to the linguistic structure of standard German that is rich in descriptive detail and grounded in modern linguistic theory. It describes the main linguistic features: the sounds, structure and formation of words, structure of sentences, and meaning of words and sentences. It surveys the history of the language, the major dialects, German in Austria and Switzerland, as well as sociolinguistic issues such as style, language and gender, youth language, and English influence on German. Prior knowledge of German is not required, as glosses and translations of the German examples are provided. Each chapter includes exercises designed to give the reader practical experience in analyzing the language. It is an essential learning tool for undergraduate and graduate students in German and linguistics.
- Features a glossary and translations of the German examples so no prior knowledge of German is required
- Each chapter includes exercises designed to give the reader practical experience in analysing the language
- Discusses the regional varieties and sociolinguistics of the language
Reviews & endorsements
'I would definitely buy this book and also use it in class. Perfect for a course on the structure of German.' Susi Wurmbrand, University of Connecticut
'… there is much superb material here … Anyone who teaches German linguistics, or is just interested in the linguistic structure of German, should read this book.' Modern Language Review
Product details
No date availablePaperback
9780521618038
332 pages
228 × 151 × 17 mm
0.53kg
43 tables
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Phonetics and phonology
- 2. Morphology
- 3. Syntax
- 4. Semantics
- 5. History of the language
- 6. Regional variation
- 7. Sociolinguistic issues.