Denglish Instead of German? The Changing Use of Language in Germany

Abstract

The permanent or temporary adoption and adaptation of words from other languages into an already existing language is part of the vibrancy of any language development. However, the “Denglishisation” of the German language, i.e. the Anglicisation of vocabulary, word meanings, punctuation and grammar, as well as sentence structure and style occasionally takes on nonsensical forms. “Denglish” is the term used to describe, certainly with some exaggeration, a far-reaching, often only superficial penetration of the German language by Anglicisms and pseudo-Anglicisms. A clear distinction should be made between the process of “Denglishisation” and the spread of English as the world language of communication.

Seven factors can be observed as contributors to the change in language: (1) The globalisation of the economy and of tourism under the hegemony of US society, (2) The global power of Great Britain which lasted for centuries, followed by the USA and in particular the imitation of US American everyday culture, which conforms to individual needs for greater freedom and self-development, (3) The symbolisation of modernisation, progress, the latest fad in social, economic, technical and cultural development, (4) The USA as the cradle of industrial and scientific innovation, where new objects and products demand new labels, (5) The USA and other English-speaking countries as places of education, in which the use of English has become a habit for many foreign nationals, (6) The discreditation and despoiling of many German words as a result of National Socialism, as well as the fear of a celebration of hyper-Germanness and the resurgence of ridiculous linguistic purism, (7) Pure laziness when it comes to translating English words.

A containment of Denglishisation, which could socially and politically split society in a dangerous way, is advisable, as is the well thought-through integration of new specialist termini for which suitable German words can be filled with new meaning, or new words can be formed as the opportunity arises. After all, every language must continuously adjust to changing living habits. Such a linguistic adjustment and at the same time a rejection of senseless Anglicisms do not require state, academic-bureaucratic organisation of public discourse, but one that is societal and pluralistic, which could however be promoted by the state. Global education policy should promote the ability by all people to speak three languages, and to protect smaller languages from the temptation to replace them by a global language of communication. Aside from their mother tongue and English, every individual should learn the state language or the language of a linguistic minority or a neighbouring country.