Knowt
The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity (AP)
2.1 How does a person's identity develop?
Identity (Identität)
Origin: Latin idem = "the same"
Definition:
Core essence of a person
What makes someone unique and different from others
Key Points:
Individuality: Identity is what makes us unique among 7 billion people (in-dividuum = "the indivisible").
Foundation for personal uniqueness.
Development:
Identity evolves over a lifetime (Identitätsentwicklung).
Changes and challenges: Includes identity crises (Identitätskrisen).
Ongoing questions:
"How do I see myself?" (Wie sehe ich mich selbst?)
"How do others see me?" (Wie werde ich von meinen Mitmenschen gesehen?)
What Does It Mean to Be German? (Was bedeutet es, Deutsch zu sein?)
Stereotypes:
Beer lovers
Hardworking and punctual
Low unemployment rate
Religious Affiliation:
60-65% identify as Christians:
34% are Catholics
Muslim minority: About 4%
28% have no religion or belong to another religion
This highlights the diversity and cultural characteristics of Germany, blending tradition with modern identity.
German Culture and Achievements
Literature & Reading:
Germany is a leading nation in reading.
94,000 new books published annually.
Frankfurt Book Fair: World's most important book event.
First book (Gutenberg Bible, 1455) and first magazine printed in Germany.
Reading habits:
44.6% read at least once a week.
58.3% buy at least one book per year.
Music:
Home to world-famous classical composers:
Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Handel, Telemann, Orff.
Hosts a variety of music festivals (e.g., Rock am Ring, one of the largest globally).
Modern music genres include electronic, hip-hop, and rock.
Festivals & Celebrations:
Germans enjoy life through carnivals and festivals.
Carnivals have roots in Catholic traditions and include:
Street parades with costumes and masks.
Celebrations of life and joy.
Bureaucracy vs. Fun:
Germans are known for their structured, bureaucratic mindset.
However, they also embrace vibrant, community-driven celebrations.
Sports in Germany
Participation:
27 million Germans are active members of sports clubs.
12 million play sports recreationally.
Football (Soccer):
Bundesliga:
Attracts the 2nd highest average attendance globally among professional sports leagues.
German National Team (Die Mannschaft):
One of the strongest football teams worldwide.
4 World Cup victories:
1954, 1974, 1990, 2014.
Sports culture in Germany reflects a balance of professional excellence and recreational engagement, with football reigning supreme.
German Culture: Community and Traditions
Football Viewing Culture:
During championships (FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League):
Huge screens set up in public spaces:
City squares, bars, cafes, restaurants.
People of all ages gather to watch together.
Commonly enjoyed with beer and sausages.
Caring Community:
Germans are known for looking out for each other.
Lost and found tradition:
Lost items are hung on trees in parks or near paths.
Makes it easier for owners to find their belongings.
A simple yet thoughtful practice showing mutual respect and care.
Work Culture and Work Identity in Germany
Efficiency Over Hours:
Germans work fewer hours but are highly productive.
Work time = work time:
Zero tolerance for distractions or wasting time.
Direct focus on tasks and responsibilities.
Direct Communication:
German business culture values straightforwardness.
Small talk is minimal; the goal is to stay task-oriented.
Work-Life Balance:
Clear boundary between work and personal life:
Time outside work is strictly free from business-related matters.
In 2014, a proposal was made to ban after-hours work communication.
Vacation and Rest:
20 legally required paid vacation days, with many salaried employees enjoying 25-30 days.
Vacations often involve:
Family time by the sea.
Long trips exploring new cities or regions.
The German approach emphasizes productivity during work hours while safeguarding personal time and well-being.
2.2 How Does Language Influence Our Cultural Identity?
Connection to Cultural Heritage:
Language preserves traditions, values, and history.
It reflects cultural norms and collective experiences.
Community and Belonging:
Shared language creates cohesion and a sense of home.
It acts as a bridge between individuals and their cultural community.
Integration and Multiculturalism in Germany 🌍:
Multi-Culti Germany:
With one of the oldest populations in the world and low birth rates, Germany relies on immigration.
Language plays a key role in integration, providing access to society and the labor market.
Initiatives like “Go Your Own Way” (Geh Deinen Weg):
Sponsored by the German Immigration Foundation (DSI).
Goal: To integrate young people with an immigrant background into the workforce.
Mentorship programs: Provide individual guidance for successful integration.
Language as a Tool for Integration:
Language skills promote cultural understanding and career opportunities.
They allow migrants to develop a new cultural identity and become part of German society.
Language influences cultural identity by preserving traditions, connecting communities, and enabling integration in multicultural societies like Germany.
Germany and Immigration: Diversity and Opportunities
Migration Background:
By 2040, 35% of Germany's population will have a migrant background or be migrants themselves (Herbert Brücker, IAB).
In 2019, 1 in 4 people in Germany had a migrant background.
European Union Blue Cards:
EU’s version of Green Cards for non-EU citizens.
Provides work and residence permits, socio-economic rights, and a path to permanent residence and EU citizenship.
Germany is the leading country in issuing Blue Cards:
2017: Nearly 85% of all EU Blue Cards were issued by Germany.
2018: Over 27,000 Blue Cards awarded (record high).
Integration Focus:
Germany plays a central role in offering migration opportunities within the EU, contributing to its growing diversity.
How Migration is Transforming the German Language
Language Evolution:
Migration is reshaping both German culture and the German language.
Language is constantly changing with the times, incorporating new words and expressions.
New Vocabulary:
The word “googeln” (to google) is now a common part of the German language, replacing the need to look things up in a dictionary or encyclopedia.
Döner Kebab:
A cultural influence from Turkey.
Has left a lasting mark not only on German menus but also on the language itself.
Duden (Germany’s equivalent of Merriam-Webster) has officially included Döner Kebab in its dictionary.
Migration brings both cultural and linguistic change, and the German language continues to evolve with new influences from different cultures.
The Influence of Globalization on the German Language
Globalization and Technical Innovation:
Globalization (the worldwide interaction and integration) brings many new words to the German language, especially from English.
People often skip translating these English terms, using them directly in everyday speech.
Anglicisms in German:
The Verein Deutsche Sprache (German Language Association) tracks 7,500 Anglicisms in its Anglizismen-INDEX.
79% of these Anglicisms are used instead of the original German words.
Adaptation in Everyday Vocabulary:
You’ll often hear English words adapted into German slang or regular conversations, making it easier to understand even if you’re not a native speaker.
Globalization has introduced a significant number of English words into the German language, making it more fluid and globally connected.
German Words with Migration Backgrounds
Realisieren:
Originally means “verwirklichen/umsetzen” (to materialize or implement).
In modern German, it's often used like the English "realize," though the true German equivalents are erkennen or sich klarmachen (to recognize or become aware).
Es macht keinen Sinn:
Directly translated from English ("it makes no sense").
The German phrase “es hat keinen Sinn” (literally "it has no sense") is the original expression, showing the influence of English structure.
Yalla (Arabic):
Means "hurry up".
Commonly heard in Germany, but the traditional German equivalent “beeil dich” is still widely used.
Lan (Turkish):
Means “dude” or “bro”.
Frequently used by younger Germans, similar to how "bro" is used in the US.
2.3 How Does Technology Influence Personal and Public Identity?
Technologie: Digitales Deutschland
Technology in Schools:
Many schools in Germany still lack:
Fast internet connections.
Modern technology and the tools needed for digital learning.
Teachers who are eager to adopt new teaching methods.
The Digital Pact for Schools aims to address these challenges by improving technology standards in German schools.
Progress and Comparisons:
In 2013, an international study (ICILS) showed that German schools and students were lagging behind their European peers in terms of technology use in classrooms.
Since then, significant progress has been made, and more investments are underway.
In 2018, Federal Education Minister Johanna Wanka initiated the Digital Pact, which provides 40,000 schools with:
New computers.
Educational software to support digital learning.
The Digital Pact for Schools represents a major step forward in ensuring that German students and schools are equipped to embrace the digital age.
11 Advantages of the HPI School Cloud
Access to teaching and learning materials anywhere and anytime.
No longer the need for expensive computer labs.
No costly software and hardware maintenance by teachers.
Provides students and teachers with access to cutting-edge technology.
High security of digital media due to expert maintenance.
Revival of the market for high-quality digital teaching and learning offerings.
Allows direct feedback and evaluation of digital teaching and learning resources by users.
Promotes autonomous learning.
Enables all participants (including students) to provide learning materials.
Helps schools improve teaching quality while reducing costs.
Makes carrying heavy books a thing of the past
Chalk-Free School in Berlin: A Model for the Future
Since May 2012: A chalk-free school in Berlin that works exclusively with interactive whiteboards.
Belief in the Model:
Studies show, according to the Berlin Senate Department for Education, Science, and Research, that using digital media on multimedia boards increases motivation in the learning process and can also ease the workload for teachers.
Future Possibilities:
Teachers will be able to send lesson materials in the form of board images via email to students who were unable to attend class.
Globalization and Fast Food
McDonald's as a Global Example:
McDonald's is a prime example of globalization.
With around 70 million customers daily and over 36,000 branches in more than 110 countries, McDonald's is the most famous fast-food chain worldwide.
McDonald's adapts its appearance and product range to fit local cultural preferences, a clear example of cultural convergence. For example, in Germany, McDonald's is widely known and reflects the blend of local culture with a global brand. 🍔
Impact of Global Brands:
Many global brands, such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's, originate from the USA.
These brands expand the available product range in the target regions but can also displace regional products.
Wearing Nike shoes, drinking Coca-Cola, or eating at McDonald's has become a symbol of cultural identity, showing how these products influence cultural self-awareness.
Social Networks
The Internet's Impact on Global Connectivity:
No medium has had as significant an impact on global networking as the Internet.
The internet has profoundly influenced communication in cultural areas, changing both its content and form.
With the growing spread of the internet, faster data transmission, and changing user behavior, the internet is increasingly becoming an integral part of everyday life for more and more people.
Television Entertainment
Television as a Mass Medium:
Television is a popular mass medium across all demographics.
Netflix, an internet TV provider, offers its film and series content in over 190 countries.
Impact of Television:
As a mass medium, television has a far-reaching influence.
It is easy to consume and popular across all population groups, playing a central role in shaping opinions, influencing style, and spreading different lifestyles and worldviews.
Global Success of Entertainment Shows:
The most successful entertainment shows worldwide include:
Talent competitions and casting shows, like The Voice 🎤 or Pop Idol (the international version of Deutschland sucht den Superstar).
Reality TV shows like Big Brother.
Quiz shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, broadcast in over 100 countries.
2.4 How Does Local Art Reflect the Public Identity of a Region?
Art as a Reflection of Society
Art Reflects Society:
Art is a mirror of society, capturing the essence of its time, culture, and values. It encompasses various forms such as painting, music, literature, dance, and other creative activities.
Art has a significant impact on society, religion, and education, and deserves the same level of respect given to the sciences.
Art’s Evolution with Society:
As society expands and evolves, art changes to reflect these new developments. It adapts and documents the crucial aspects of human life, offering insight into historical moments and cultural shifts.
Punk in the German Democratic Republic (GDR):
One notable example of art reflecting societal changes is punk music in the GDR.
In the repressive environment of East Germany, punk became a form of resistance and self-expression, challenging the political and social norms.
Punk culture in the GDR reflected the frustrations of youth, the desire for freedom, and a rebellion against the established order. It was both a cultural movement and a political statement, illustrating how art can be a tool for societal critique and transformation.
Punk in the German Democratic Republic (GDR)
Outsiders and Rebels:
Punks in the GDR were outsiders, primarily youths rebelling against the restrictions of their society.
They were despised by loyal citizens and harassed by the GDR authorities, who often subjected them to imprisonment and intimidation.
Symbol of Freedom:
Despite the oppression, being a punk was also about freedom.
The punk subculture represented a desire for personal expression, autonomy, and defiance of the authoritarian regime.
Physical Appearance as Resistance:
Those with a mohawk (Irokesenschnitt) and wearing a dog collar (Hundehalsband 🐶) would often face public scorn, being spat on or stopped by the police without reason.
Train journeys frequently ended in arrests, making life as a punk in the GDR far from easy.
The experience was not comfortable nor decadent, but rather marked by resistance to state control and a fight for individuality in a society that suppressed such expression.
Excerpts from GDR Punk Music
"Überall wohin's dich führt, wird dein Ausweis kontrolliert. Und sagst du einen falschen Ton, was dann passiert - du weißt es schon" (Planlos)
"Wherever you go, they check your ID. One false word—and you know what is going to happen." (Planlos)
This quote illustrates the constant surveillance and fear in the GDR, where any small deviation from the norms could result in punishment. It reflects the repressive environment of the time, where even the slightest protest could lead to severe consequences.
"Was ihr von mir wollt, kann ich nicht sein, in den grauen Beton pass ich nicht rein" (Wutanfall)
"I can't be what you want me to be, I don't fit in grey concrete." (Wutanfall)
This line symbolizes the alienation of youth who refused to conform to the strict and monotonous society of the GDR. The "grey concrete" refers to the drab, oppressive architecture and societal rigidity that contrasted with the punk's desire for individuality and freedom.
"Einmal kommen wir wieder raus, dann sind wir Terrorist!" (Namenlos)
"We'll get out one more time, then we are terrorists!" (Namenlos)
This quote expresses the rebellion and the risk of being labeled a criminal for simply seeking freedom of expression. It reflects the harsh reality that in the GDR, even a desire to break free could lead to severe accusations and persecution.
These lyrics capture the essence of punk in the GDR—a cry for freedom, individuality, and resistance against a repressive regime. Through their music, punks voiced the frustrations of a generation that was suppressed and monitored at every turn.
Excerpts from GDR Punk Music (Continued)
"Mit dem Knüppel in der Hand kämpfe ich fürs Vaterland, drauf auf den Anarchist, ich bin ein Polizist" (Schleim-Keim)
"With a club in my hand, I fight for my fatherland, on top of the anarchist, I'm a policeman." (Schleim-Keim)
This lyric reveals a dark satire, playing with the image of the authoritarian state, where the police are portrayed as violent enforcers of the government’s will. The punk subculture often used such lyrics to criticize and mock the system of power and control.
The Role of Punk Music in GDR
"Das Anderssein war das Lebenselixier, ein Stück Freiheit in einem unfreien Staat. Und die Punkmusik war der Soundtrack dazu."
"Being different was the elixir of life, a piece of freedom in a state of unfreedom. And punk music was the soundtrack to that."
Punk in the GDR provided a sense of freedom and individuality for young people trapped in a repressive regime. The punk movement gave them a way to express their dissatisfaction, their desire for change, and to carve out a space for authenticity.
Punk Concerts in the GDR
Punk concerts were often held in private spaces like apartments or artist studios, which became underground hubs of resistance. They were not limited to just punks; they attracted artists, theater people, and poets as well.
However, these events were frequently interrupted by the police, who would shut down these gatherings, continuing the persecution of those who sought to express themselves freely.
Punk Band Names
The band names themselves—Planlos, Die Fanatischen Friseure, L'Attentat, Bandsalat, Schleim-Keim, Namenlos, and Wutanfall—were provocations in themselves. These names often seemed to mock societal conventions and the state, drawing the attention and ire of authorities.
According to Bernd Stracke (known as "Stracke"), who was in Wutanfall, these names alone were enough to anger the police.
Wutanfall and Stasi Persecution
Wutanfall became a target for the Stasi (GDR secret police), reflecting the direct threat punks posed to the regime. One band member, known as Chaos, faced harassment, interrogation, and even maltreatment by the authorities. His driver's license was revoked, and he was evicted from his apartment—tactics often used to silence dissent and prevent the spread of rebellious ideas.
Punk in the GDR was a form of resistance—both musically and culturally—against the oppressive forces of the state. It gave people a way to rebel, to assert their individuality, and to find freedom in an environment that sought to control and suppress them. Through music, style, and action, punks in the GDR pushed back against the totalitarian regime, leaving a legacy of resilience and creative rebellion.
Music that Moves
#wirsindmehr (We Are More) Concert in Chemnitz
In 2018, more than 65,000 people attended the #wirsindmehr concert in Chemnitz to protest against neo-Nazi violence. The organizers emphasized that they wanted to show that there was no place for Nazis in Chemnitz.The lineup featured a mix of local Chemnitz bands and was headlined by one of the most famous German punk bands.
This concert was not just about entertainment; it was a strong musical statement against the rise of right-wing extremism in Germany.
Other Musical Statements Against Right-Wing Extremism
The #wirsindmehr concert is not the only musical event in Germany that challenges right-wing extremism. Regular concerts and festivals, such as the annual "Rock gegen Rechts" (Rock Against the Right) festival in Düsseldorf, continue to provide spaces for protest and resistance through music. These events use the power of music to bring people together and stand up for a more inclusive and tolerant society.Bridges—Connecting Cultures Through Music
The project "Bridges" from Frankfurt am Main exemplifies how music can go beyond simply making statements to actively connect people. Since its founding in 2015, the project has brought together musicians from diverse backgrounds, both with and without migration or refugee experiences.The participants form choirs, orchestras, and ensembles, creating music that celebrates diversity and allows them to learn from each other's musical traditions.
Since its inception, the Bridges project has united over 150 musicians, showcasing how music can be a bridge between cultures and create new forms of art and unity.
Music plays an important role in Germany’s social landscape, offering both a platform for protest and a means of connecting diverse communities. Through events like #wirsindmehr, Rock gegen Rechts, and Bridges, music is not only a form of entertainment but also a tool for fostering solidarity, inclusion, and cultural exchange.
Not Just Relevant in Germany
The Hamburg rapper Samy Deluxe recently released a new song that addresses the discrimination against Black people and the international protests against racism.
In his song "I Can't Breathe", the 42-year-old rapper repeatedly raps, "No one seems to listen when we say: 'I and many of my people can't breathe.'"
The music video features scenes of protesters with signs, a police car with flashing sirens, and a burning house.
The title of the song is a direct reference to the arrest of African American George Floyd in the United States.
"I can't breathe" were Floyd's last words as a white police officer pressed his knee on his neck. Floyd died during the brutal police operation on May 25 in Minneapolis, triggering global protests against racism and police violence.
Samy Deluxe has been vocal about these issues on his social media platforms in the days following the protests.
As the son of a Sudanese man, Samy has long used his music as a platform to speak out against discrimination and to advocate for equality.
This song and the broader context highlight how music can become a powerful tool for social change, raising awareness about racism and injustice, not just in Germany, but around the world. Through his music, Samy Deluxe joins other artists in amplifying the message of resistance, solidarity, and the ongoing fight against racism and police brutality.
