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German researchers study shifting linguistic politeness patterns
A research project conducted by the Free University of Berlin and Bielefeld University has revealed shifting patterns in German linguistic politeness. The study, titled “Variantenpragmatik des Deutschen: Kommunikative Muster im Vergleich,” indicates that younger generations use the word “bitte” (please) less frequently than older generations.
Data shows that 30-year-olds use “bitte” in only one out of every four requests, whereas 70-year-olds use it nearly twice as often. Researchers note this does not necessarily imply increased rudeness, but rather a different understanding of politeness. Younger speakers often substitute traditional markers with softening words like “vielleicht” (perhaps) or “eventuell” (possibly) to convey courtesy.
Additionally, the use of the formal “Sie” is declining, with younger people opting for the informal “du” more frequently. Linguist Janel Zoske noted that the choice of address depends not only on the speaker's age but also on the age of the person being addressed. The study also identified regional differences, such as the common practice of greeting people by name in Switzerland compared to Germany and Austria.
Entities
Free University of Berlin · Henrik Discher · Janel Zoske · University of Bielefeld
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] 30-year-olds use the word “bitte” in only one out of every four requests. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The research project is titled “Variantenpragmatik des Deutschen: Kommunikative Muster im Vergleich”. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Greeting people by name is a common practice in Switzerland. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] 70-year-olds use the word “bitte” nearly twice as often as 30-year-olds. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Younger people use the informal “du” more frequently than older people. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The choice of formal or informal address depends on the age of the person being addressed. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de