The Alsatian Dialect and Identity in Early Adulthood A Sociolinguistic Survey

Judith ESSER

Master's thesis

Word Use and Identity Feeling of Young Adults in Alsace

Abstract:

The Alsatian dialect is diminishing from generation to generation. Whether this leads to loss of language, loss of identity, and feeling of belonging of young adults are the main focuses of this thesis. This research deals with the link between language and identity, and the application of this concept to the Alsatian dialect and region in France. Because of its historical, geopolitical, and linguistic developments, Alsace is a compelling case to analyse the link between language and identity. The author conducted a sociolinguistic survey targeting 18 to 25 years old adults, living in Alsace, questioning them about their knowledge of Alsatian and specifically chosen Alsatian words and expressions, along with their feeling of belonging to the region and identity. The results of the questionnaire, which received 450 replies, will be examined, and a connection to the linguistic situation in Alsace, will be drawn. A profound literature review including the essential works of Edwards, on the relationship between language and identity, Ladin, Weckmann, Trouillet, and Hoffet on the history, identity and linguistic developments in Alsace, will help to understand the past and current situation and will serve as a basis for this thesis. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Office pour la langue et la culture d'Alsace will be compared with the survey conducted for this thesis. The author chose to examine three self-formulated hypotheses to explain the current linguistic skill of young adults in Alsace, as well as to which extent the respondents identify with Alsatian identity. This research will present the following findings: First, the Alsatian dialect declines from generation to generation. Second, although Alsatian is spoken less within the young generation, some words and expressions are anchored in everyday language use. Third, the identification with the Alsatian identity does not decrease with the decline of the dialect.

Abstract:

The Alsatian dialect is diminishing from generation to generation. Whether this leads to loss of language, loss of identity, and feeling of belonging of young adults are the main focuses of this thesis. This research deals with the link between language and identity, and the application of this concept to the Alsatian dialect and region in France. Because of its historical, geopolitical, and linguistic developments, Alsace is a compelling case to analyse the link between language and identity. The author conducted a sociolinguistic survey targeting 18 to 25 years old adults, living in Alsace, questioning them about their knowledge of Alsatian and specifically chosen Alsatian words and expressions, along with their feeling of belonging to the region and identity. The results of the questionnaire, which received 450 replies, will be examined, and a connection to the linguistic situation in Alsace, will be drawn. A profound literature review including the essential works of Edwards, on the relationship between language and identity, Ladin, Weckmann, Trouillet, and Hoffet on the history, identity and linguistic developments in Alsace, will help to understand the past and current situation and will serve as a basis for this thesis. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Office pour la langue et la culture d'Alsace will be compared with the survey conducted for this thesis. The author chose to examine three self-formulated hypotheses to explain the current linguistic skill of young adults in Alsace, as well as to which extent the respondents identify with Alsatian identity. This research will present the following findings: First, the Alsatian dialect declines from generation to generation. Second, although Alsatian is spoken less within the young generation, some words and expressions are anchored in everyday language use. Third, the identification with the Alsatian identity does not decrease with the decline of the dialect.

Keywords

Dialect, Identity, Alsatian, Sociolinguistic Survey, Early Adulthood

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2019

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Fanny Lafontaine, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Humanities / Euroculture