LFU:online

Department of German Studies Department of German Studies, Pedagogical University Vorarlberg Pedagogical University Vorarlberg

Klaus Peter Klaus Peter

921060

608127D6e1
(Pedagogical University Vorarlberg)

SE Contemporary German Language

SE 2

5

not applicable

not applicable

German

Students will be able to (i) differentiate between different types of linguistic norms and their function and discuss them critically. (ii) to empirically investigate a self-chosen linguistic phenomenon against the background of (i).

Linguistic behaviour is always based on linguistic norms (unless they are consciously disregarded). This is particularly evident in the realm of ​​orthography, the norms of which are often explicitly taught in school. Linguistic norms also exist for other linguistic realms (grammar, text types, etc.) and they also have different functions depending on the point of reference - in the area of ​​orthography they are prescriptive, in other areas they do not). Linguistic norms can also be differentiated according to whether they are in written form (for example in reference works) or whether they are (only) present in the heads of speakers; the latter are particularly relevant for linguistic usage. Against this background, in this class we approach linguistic norms from different perspectives by dealing with the following questions, among others: What functions do linguistic norms have? Which factors are decisive for the formation of a linguistic norm (norm-setting institutions, language community, etc.)? To what extent is language standardization even possible (e.g. spelling or gender-sensitive language) and are there areas that are "normless" (e.g. computer-mediated communication)? What kind of conceptions of norms do different speaker groups have (e.g. teachers compared to dictionary writers) and what effects do these norms have on linguistic evaluation processes?

Presentations, discussion of texts, lectures, group work

cf. Curriculum