The Influence of German on Modern English: a Historical and Linguistic Perspective
Keywords:
German-English language interaction, lexical borrowing, grammatical influenceAbstract
This article examines the influence of the German language on modern English, focusing on historical, lexical, grammatical, and sociocultural aspects. Shared Germanic roots established linguistic connections, while historical periods like the Reformation and the 19th–20th centuries expanded German contributions. The study identifies lexical borrowings in philosophy (Weltanschauung, Übermensch), science (dopamine, quartz), technology (diesel, zeppelin), and everyday speech (kindergarten, blitzkrieg). German grammar and syntax, particularly complex sentence structures, shaped English academic and technical texts. The paper also explores the cultural impact of German literature, music, and philosophy. Addressing challenges in tracing German borrowings, it highlights opportunities for further research in global and regional linguistic interactions.
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