How I Modestly Perceive
or
Reflecting on Modest Personal Observations
I .Humbel Considerations on the German Language and Society
Part 1 Introduction to a Linguistic Yet Primarily Social Inquiry ;
Unearthing Forgotten Questions
It is profoundly striking that certain words or rather, certain idiomatic expressions and phrases in the German language have over time lost their original meanings, or to be more precise, one might describe this phenomenon as a drift in meaning. An illustrative example is the statement: “Er ist mein Freund bzw. Sie ist meine Freundin” (He is my friend or she is my friend).Regardless of the region within the German-speaking world, the primary emphasis is consistently placed on the romantic nature of this relationship (Due to restrictions imposed by the website's engine, I refrained from using the word "s*x." I appreciate your understanding, dear readers.). I would argue that when someone utters such phrases, it does not convey to the audience or conversational partners the simple notion of “he/she is a friend of mine,” indicating merely a platonic relationship without any romantic involvement.. It is remarkable that the phrase “Er ist mein Freund bzw. Sie ist meine Freundin” did not possess this current connotation from the outset. Equally noteworthy is that when this phrase is spoken by someone outside the German-speaking realm, for instance, in France or South Africa, it merely conveys the words without opening a door for additional interpretation. It is truly impressive how a straightforward sentence with simple words acquires an additional layer of meaning, a phenomenon not observed in other societies. This prompts one to question how such occurrences come to pass. However, one could argue that it is not necessarily remarkable for a simple sentence with straightforward words to assume an additional meaning. This is a natural process of linguistic evolution observed in many languages and cultures.
Herein lies the dilemma: what was, what is, or what constitutes the natural process of language evolution, both historically and presently?
Assuming that language was initially utilized and developed to streamline and facilitate life, which aligns with the Logic , it is paradoxical, or rather, counterintuitive, for humans to abruptly or gradually alter the meaning of a sentence that has accompanied them over a certain period, aiding in the communication of ideas and the achievement of goals without giving rise to misunderstandings. Furthermore, one must ponder how society managed to successfully alter certain elements of language. Did all members of society partake in this “dynamic” process? If not, which is highly probable, are the remaining members in agreement with this linguistic transformation, which carries connotations of discord and a degree of coercion?
In the upcoming section, we’ll delve deeper into these questions, aiming for rational answers while keeping language clear. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of human interaction and the psychological aspects of society, focusing on the human element and my personal daily efforts to understand "the German (in the broad sense, current foreign) society". Through this exploration, we aim to uncover insights that surpass mere linguistic analysis, delving into the core dynamics of society and interpersonal relationships. Join us on this journey as we seek to inspire and enlighten, shedding light on the profound connections that define our shared human experience.
Bis dahin, Tschüss (Until then, goodbye.)
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