Attitudes to regional language in urban areas: Low German in Hamburg

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The project focuses on the analysis of language attitudes towards regional forms of speech in urban areas. The example of Low German in Hamburg will be examined, considering the question what role the dialect plays in the present. Despite decreasing communicative relevance the Low German dialect is part of culture and media and as such perceived in public. This striking finding leads to the hypothesis that Low German is perceived as a special local characteristic and that the symbolic function of the dialect has increased. The current gradual functional shift of Low German usage and assessment will be explained by an analysis of public language use. Priority will be given to the motivation of speakers and protagonists in public institutions to use Low German or to deal with relevant cultural and media activities and products. The potential of identification of Low German will be investigated, in other words how Low German is used for identity construction and identity preservation or if it is perceived as an instrument for those. Therefore the (conscious or unconscious) attitudes towards the Low German dialect in Hamburg are determined by interviews. It will be asked whether a specific set of values is connected to the preoccupation with Low German in culture and media. It can be assumed that in addition to the individual's own childhood memories the Hamburg harbor with its traditional professions and the history of Hamburg with its hanseatic tradition are associated with Low German. The use of Low German, the commitment to the dialect, the reception of cultural offerings and the overall positive assessment of the dialect can be understood as an expression of local loyalty. In order to that all these activities can be assessed as attempt to participate in positive local stereotypes. Low German would then be considered as a part of a specific Hamburg identity.