Welcome to our class blog!
We will be using this blog throughout the semester for two kinds of assignments:
1. Once per chapter, the homework plan will direct you to post a response to the culture readings for the chapter on the blog.
2. Roughly every other week, the homework plan will direct you to post here for your Abenteuer mit Deutsch (AMD) assignment. First you do a fun activity that involves German, then you post about it. You should spend an hour total on this (maybe 45-55 minutes doing something, 5-15 minutes posting about it). See Was ist ein AMD, AMD Ideen and Beispiele for ideas. This should get you excited about the kinds of things you can do!
Whenever you post something, please include your name and the name of the assignment (e.g. AMD2, Kultur5) as labels. See "Blog: How To" for more details!
Posts mit dem Label Kultur1 werden angezeigt. Alle Posts anzeigen
Posts mit dem Label Kultur1 werden angezeigt. Alle Posts anzeigen
Mittwoch, 25. September 2013
Sonntag, 15. September 2013
Oktoberfest
I was most interested by the Oktoberfest information. The Oktoberfest really intrigued me because it seems as if one country began a tradition and other countries did there own spin to it. I admire diversity and really admire it when people can share different aspects of their culture. Like the article said, what started off as a celebration of the heritage of Germany, turned into an expression of diversity among culture. (Kade) When different cultures are intertwined with each other it allows people to become more aware of what other people experience and go through. It allows for triumph to a less ignorant world. People will have more exposure to different things and not be able to pass judgement so easily on others. Also as the article mentions, tourism is a good reason for diversity among culture. Tourist are able to be more informed on other countries besides their own and contribute to other cultures and countries with their own take of their knowledge of other countries.
Donnerstag, 12. September 2013
Graham Techler Kapitel 1
I thought it was very enlightening to read about the pervasive influence of Germanic culture on the development of the American midwest, especially juxtaposed with the limited exposure that culture has in America today. Growing up in Boston, where there is very little obvious Germanic influence, I was only aware of German-American goings-on because my family was originally from Minnesota. I was aware that the midwestern, German-influenced way of life was going on, but the idea seemed very alien to me.
This article really communicated the idea that America's "melting pot" reputation from the 19th and 20th centuries was not just cemented by the East coast cities like New York and Boston. That this article referred to Milwaukee as the "German Athens of America" made me think of the midwest in connection with multi-cultural progressiveness in a way I hadn't before.
I also thought the article's description of German stereotypes in American alcohol culture was fascinating: "Similar images of and per-ceptions about Germans, centering on the food and drink of cheer-fully hefty “Dutch” men and women, also flourished in such American communities as Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, where beer, sausages, and pretzels have become standard features not only of local cuisine but also in such mainstream American settings as the ballpark, where fans chomp and swallow while cheering on the Cubs, Reds, and Cardinals." It seemed telling that German-Americans clashed with other Americans over temperance, and yet German food drink and iconography became so thoroughly associated with American drinking culture. This came from an impulse both to mock and respect, each in equal measure. Perhaps the American instinct to respect that which can be a commodity, no matter how stereotypical, came into play here.
This article really communicated the idea that America's "melting pot" reputation from the 19th and 20th centuries was not just cemented by the East coast cities like New York and Boston. That this article referred to Milwaukee as the "German Athens of America" made me think of the midwest in connection with multi-cultural progressiveness in a way I hadn't before.
I also thought the article's description of German stereotypes in American alcohol culture was fascinating: "Similar images of and per-ceptions about Germans, centering on the food and drink of cheer-fully hefty “Dutch” men and women, also flourished in such American communities as Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, where beer, sausages, and pretzels have become standard features not only of local cuisine but also in such mainstream American settings as the ballpark, where fans chomp and swallow while cheering on the Cubs, Reds, and Cardinals." It seemed telling that German-Americans clashed with other Americans over temperance, and yet German food drink and iconography became so thoroughly associated with American drinking culture. This came from an impulse both to mock and respect, each in equal measure. Perhaps the American instinct to respect that which can be a commodity, no matter how stereotypical, came into play here.
Kapitel 1
Growing up learning about the world wars, I came to believe that America was full of anti-German sentiments. I would have never thought that German culture would, in any way, brush off onto the culture in America, but after reading the brochure "How German is American", I came to recognize how much of our American culture actually derived from the Germans. For example, the Turners of Milwaukee made gymnastics big as a competitive sport in America in the late 1800's; today, gymnastics is a very respected competitive sport in America for both male and female genders. In fact, the United States has been well known for it's achievements in gymnastics while competing in the Olympics, especially in the 2012 Olympics (still bummed about Jordan Wieber).
Another aspect of German culture which was adopted into American culture that I found to be interesting is Bambi, as well as hundreds of other children's books. Growing up I never would have thought that Bambi was illustrated by a German artist. The story of Bambi has been huge in America that the idea of it being German is so foreign to us Americans (that is how much German culture has submerged into the culture in America).
Actually, German culture has become such an influence on American culture that I've found myself listening to German music from time to time. Artist like ramstein, along with various German rappers, have managed to find their way onto my youtube page, and although I don't understand very much of it, I still enjoy it (try listening to some yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzCAiFo1ihw). German culture has become such a large part of American culture, it's beginning to become strange.
After reading this article it helped clear up a few questions I've had about Germans in America. I am part German and it wasn't until this past summer I really started to get into that history. I lived in Berlin this summer and while at a family reunion in Canada at the end of summer, I started asking about my German heritage. It was interesting reading about the immigrants in the late 1800s since that is when my German ancestors came over to America and started to cultivate the land with the 160 acre land grant (some of which is still owned to this day!).
Something I thought was very fascinating was that German is the most cited ancestry. I didn't think that that many people were German! I figured it would be an even mix of French and English people since they were the nations that colonized most of America before it was a centralized nation.
I knew that when the United States was just created German was largely debated to be the national language. I can't help but wonder how that would have affected the world now, since most of the world speaks English now. Already the surrounding countries of Germany (Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Czech Republic, Poland) speak German and the language is taught in many other schools (England, France). If the national language was German then many more countries might teach German. English, although a mix of many languages, has many more words that derive from German or are used in its original form.
After reading the article, I really have to agree that German culture is everywhere in America, although deeply entrenched in it. America is not New Germany, but more of a part-Germany, from the food and beer to the language.
Something I thought was very fascinating was that German is the most cited ancestry. I didn't think that that many people were German! I figured it would be an even mix of French and English people since they were the nations that colonized most of America before it was a centralized nation.
I knew that when the United States was just created German was largely debated to be the national language. I can't help but wonder how that would have affected the world now, since most of the world speaks English now. Already the surrounding countries of Germany (Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Czech Republic, Poland) speak German and the language is taught in many other schools (England, France). If the national language was German then many more countries might teach German. English, although a mix of many languages, has many more words that derive from German or are used in its original form.
After reading the article, I really have to agree that German culture is everywhere in America, although deeply entrenched in it. America is not New Germany, but more of a part-Germany, from the food and beer to the language.
Mittwoch, 11. September 2013
The Translucency of German Culture in America
I was really intrigued by the contrast between the magnitude of the German immigrants' influence on American culture and the rapid disappearance of German identity among the descendants of those immigrants developed in "How German is American". One of the most striking points was that the educational system all Americans are used to exists in its current form due to pressure from German immigrants. We even adopt a little German culture when we transition from home to grade school in kindergarten. Our experiences in kindergarten can shape how we act in later years (article), so I think that they shape our personalities even into our adult life. America is unusual for having sports as part of daily school activities, which is another principal we absorbed from Germany. In an interview on the Diane Rehm Show, Amanda Ripley stated,
"...this was another thing that came up a lot in spending time with kids in these countries. They were really struck by the fact that in the U.S. sports is a really big part of high school. And that is not true in much of the world. Kids play sports, sure, and they'll play through their community rec center or pick-up soccer games or what have you, organizations, you know, that parents run. But it's not part of the mission of high school or any school."
So, not only do other societies not have physical education in schools, but children from those places are actually surprised by the idea that it would be. The text elaborates that the Turner Movement brought the idea of mutual improvement of body and mind to the American educational system. Our very university is built on that ideology, thus the athlete and scholar adorning the Michigan Union.
German culture and ideals are visible in every part of our education, yet identification with both the German nationality and the German heritage continually decrease in America. People in my hall argue that the cultural melting pot is just working the way it is supposed to, but I think that it is more a result of us not talking about our cultural history. Sure, we have classes in high school that talk about when various documents were signed, where different battles were fought, and how our many leaders were elected, but we don't focus on how our culture evolved from such diverse roots into a unified whole. After all, how do we know what to do with the melting pot's contents if we don't know what is really in it?
"...this was another thing that came up a lot in spending time with kids in these countries. They were really struck by the fact that in the U.S. sports is a really big part of high school. And that is not true in much of the world. Kids play sports, sure, and they'll play through their community rec center or pick-up soccer games or what have you, organizations, you know, that parents run. But it's not part of the mission of high school or any school."
So, not only do other societies not have physical education in schools, but children from those places are actually surprised by the idea that it would be. The text elaborates that the Turner Movement brought the idea of mutual improvement of body and mind to the American educational system. Our very university is built on that ideology, thus the athlete and scholar adorning the Michigan Union.
German culture and ideals are visible in every part of our education, yet identification with both the German nationality and the German heritage continually decrease in America. People in my hall argue that the cultural melting pot is just working the way it is supposed to, but I think that it is more a result of us not talking about our cultural history. Sure, we have classes in high school that talk about when various documents were signed, where different battles were fought, and how our many leaders were elected, but we don't focus on how our culture evolved from such diverse roots into a unified whole. After all, how do we know what to do with the melting pot's contents if we don't know what is really in it?
Kultur 1- Abilene Emerson
The ease with which the German community assimilated to America is astounding. As quoted, the immigrant Germans found "themselves as very much a part of their adopted community". They came to the country determined to find a more stable socioeconomic country and seem to have found, and reciprocally contributed, more than ever thought before. German immigrants essentially established a niche for themselves. They were so easily attracted to the expanses of the wilderness and forests. They certainly out shined American's in appreciating the benefits of nature. Even today many American's still ignore the importance of "finding their roots" and establishing a home base. Sure we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on irrigation systems to water our yards, and we spend millions on renovating homes and constructing big cities with skyscrapers. But isn't aren't these just superficial, surface level, appearance based qualities of the land? We forget the foundation of our lives and focus on the external characteristic- what's seen but not felt. Gradually, it seems that German ancestors fell into the same rut, refraining from ethically defining themselves further. What I wonder is, did Germans transition to commercialized foods, festivals and culture simply by choice to immerse themselves into a broader culture. Or did German's begin this change in order to please and follow the growing commercialism of America. They assimilated into our areas, people and culture, ignoring most of their emphasis on land.
I just wonder whether we American's brainwashed Germans into American commercialism. Or if Germans began to produce American commercialism as another way to assimilate, and please the American culture at the time. (still done by opening beer gardens, advertising the wiene rmobile, etc.
I just wonder whether we American's brainwashed Germans into American commercialism. Or if Germans began to produce American commercialism as another way to assimilate, and please the American culture at the time. (still done by opening beer gardens, advertising the wiene rmobile, etc.
Kultur 1
I found this reading very interesting, especially in the passages which concerned the search for a distinctive German-American identity. I was particularly intrigued by the section which described Amish culture, and by the fact that the Amish population was described as perpetuating an almost counter-cultural movement. I am not American, so certain of concepts discussed in the article resonated less with me than others, but in this passage, I was struck by the similarities between the Amish culture and the culture of many of my friends who come from a Mennonite background.
The Mennonites are a religious group in some ways similar to the Amish, in that they stem from the same Anabaptist movement, and from German origins. Mennonite communities all over the world continue to speak German. In my home of Southwestern Ontario, there is a large Mennonite population, with several prominent communities in the area. The most conservative of this group practice in similar ways to the Amish, valuing a simplistic lifestyle withdrawn from the technology and hectic pace of modern society. However, I had several friends growing up who came from a more liberal Mennonite background, and who struggled to integrate their family's culture with their modern surroundings.
Several of my Mennonite friends spoke of their difficulty in reconciling their family's conservative beliefs with the fast-paced, efficiency obsessed world in which they found themselves. While their families did not strictly adhere to the most conservative values of the Mennonite faith, they still strongly advocated a pacifist lifestyle with an emphasis on community outreach. It often became difficult for my friends to reconcile these values with a society which, in many ways, has ceased to value these things. Even more so, they spoke of the difficulty in integrating their cultural upbringing with modern cultural expectations.
However, one way in which Mennonite culture can be strongly seen in my home area is in the realm of music. Mennonite churches place a very strong emphasis on worship through music, and those who attend Mennonite churches often receive fine music education. Music is very highly valued in Mennonite culture, and many of my Mennonite friends have become successful musicians. The choirs from the Mennonite churches in my area were always of the highest caliber.
The Mennonites are a religious group in some ways similar to the Amish, in that they stem from the same Anabaptist movement, and from German origins. Mennonite communities all over the world continue to speak German. In my home of Southwestern Ontario, there is a large Mennonite population, with several prominent communities in the area. The most conservative of this group practice in similar ways to the Amish, valuing a simplistic lifestyle withdrawn from the technology and hectic pace of modern society. However, I had several friends growing up who came from a more liberal Mennonite background, and who struggled to integrate their family's culture with their modern surroundings.
Several of my Mennonite friends spoke of their difficulty in reconciling their family's conservative beliefs with the fast-paced, efficiency obsessed world in which they found themselves. While their families did not strictly adhere to the most conservative values of the Mennonite faith, they still strongly advocated a pacifist lifestyle with an emphasis on community outreach. It often became difficult for my friends to reconcile these values with a society which, in many ways, has ceased to value these things. Even more so, they spoke of the difficulty in integrating their cultural upbringing with modern cultural expectations.
However, one way in which Mennonite culture can be strongly seen in my home area is in the realm of music. Mennonite churches place a very strong emphasis on worship through music, and those who attend Mennonite churches often receive fine music education. Music is very highly valued in Mennonite culture, and many of my Mennonite friends have become successful musicians. The choirs from the Mennonite churches in my area were always of the highest caliber.
Kultur 1 Blog
"How German is America" turned out to be a pretty interesting read that offered insight as to how the German immigrants were able to assimilate so well, yet have a significant influence on America culture. I was recently speaking with an Engineering professor who was just in Germany and he found that certain areas of the German countryside reminded him of Michigan's landscape, especially up north. I doubted him at first but after reading this it seems that most German immigrants settled in the rural midwest for the geographical familiarity. The state of Wisconsin even used this to their advantage with their log-shaped card to try and attract Germans to the state.
I also had no clue how much of modern american culture is derived from German culture. I was very surprised to read that Bambi was originally written by a German writer and was an allegory alluding to the threats to the Jews between the wars. It also surprised me, based off the modern company's factory-inspired ways to produce meat, that Oscar Mayer started off as a small German meat shop in downtown Chicago. I would be interested in seeing Oscar's reaction if he was able to see the quality of Oscar Mayer products today.
Finally, I was very surprised to learn that German is the most spoken (for a first language) language in the European Union. The fact it is spoken in so many countries outside of Germany is crazy. Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, parts of Italy and so on. It is a very versatile language and it irritates me that my high school didn't offer it as a language option!
I also had no clue how much of modern american culture is derived from German culture. I was very surprised to read that Bambi was originally written by a German writer and was an allegory alluding to the threats to the Jews between the wars. It also surprised me, based off the modern company's factory-inspired ways to produce meat, that Oscar Mayer started off as a small German meat shop in downtown Chicago. I would be interested in seeing Oscar's reaction if he was able to see the quality of Oscar Mayer products today.
Finally, I was very surprised to learn that German is the most spoken (for a first language) language in the European Union. The fact it is spoken in so many countries outside of Germany is crazy. Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, parts of Italy and so on. It is a very versatile language and it irritates me that my high school didn't offer it as a language option!
Kultur1
Upon reading the article "How German is American?" I realized that I have never really thought about German ancestry in America, even though the majority of my friends' families are of German descent. The cause of my ignorance on the topic, I'm assuming, is due to the fact that those from Germany assimilated into American culture so well.
The article talked about how the natural blending of German and American culture was caused by the German community taking advantage of the freedoms that America offers. An example given was how the German immigrants were able to embrace multiple religions. This opportunity split up the German people, amongst other things. It is easy to see how, upon being given new freedoms and circumstances, a culture can be modified. As American culture was embraced by German immigrants, the prospect of having a definite German community gradually vanished.
While the new coming Germans did not have their own definite culture in America, aspects of their culture engrained itself into ours. It was fascinating to discover how many things German immigrants have contributed to the identity of the United States of America. Instantly recognizable images such as "Santa Claus, the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey," and even Uncle Sam were created by a German man by the name of Thomas Nast.
Not only did I enjoy learning about the contributions that German immigrants made to the United States, but I also appreciated learning about how the German language is widespread. When I would tell someone that I was going to study German in college, they would say to me "Why? They only speak that in Germany." True, it's spoken in Germany, but it was also once popularly taught here in the United States and is still spoken throughout Europe, which I intend to eventually visit (don't we all though).
Before reading this article, I was unsure of what perusing German would do for me in the future, besides allowing me to follow along with Quentin Tarantino's films. It was extremely reassuring to know that learning German will be useful, as German was and is still spoken in copious places, not only in Germany.
The article talked about how the natural blending of German and American culture was caused by the German community taking advantage of the freedoms that America offers. An example given was how the German immigrants were able to embrace multiple religions. This opportunity split up the German people, amongst other things. It is easy to see how, upon being given new freedoms and circumstances, a culture can be modified. As American culture was embraced by German immigrants, the prospect of having a definite German community gradually vanished.
While the new coming Germans did not have their own definite culture in America, aspects of their culture engrained itself into ours. It was fascinating to discover how many things German immigrants have contributed to the identity of the United States of America. Instantly recognizable images such as "Santa Claus, the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey," and even Uncle Sam were created by a German man by the name of Thomas Nast.
Not only did I enjoy learning about the contributions that German immigrants made to the United States, but I also appreciated learning about how the German language is widespread. When I would tell someone that I was going to study German in college, they would say to me "Why? They only speak that in Germany." True, it's spoken in Germany, but it was also once popularly taught here in the United States and is still spoken throughout Europe, which I intend to eventually visit (don't we all though).
Kultur 1
Surprisingly, I found the article on "How German Is American" to be quite an interesting read. Never been a big fan of reading, but this grabbed my attention for quite some time, as I learned a lot of interesting information that was completely new and fascinating to me.
First off, I had no idea that German's played such a crucial role in our history. The main reason why I feel that I don't notice it as much is exactly what the article accredits it to: the dilution of a central religion. Because they all kind of went their separate ways, they somewhat conformed to the rest of our norms here in the U.S. instead of remaining a prevalent entity.
It was also mentioned that most German's tended to settle in small towns rather than urban areas. Thinking about my own experience in growing up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I find this to be quite true. I'd never really given it much thought, but my own Grandmother's house, which she's lived in since her childhood in the 1930's, is indeed built to a German design. This gives me the indication that even in such a rural area as where I lived, there was still German influence visible.
My favorite part of the pamphlet, however, HAD to be the food. I've always had a soft spot for brats, wieners, etc. and the fact that I even SAW the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile driving around Ann Arbor on my walk back today made it stick out in my mind. I'm also a huge sports fan, and I got the notion that many of our weekend game day traditions and tailgate foods can be traced back to German roots. "Beer and Brats" is a combination that many would agree is a fan favorite amongst sport-going men.
Overall, I'd have to agree that to an extent, German indeed IS American
First off, I had no idea that German's played such a crucial role in our history. The main reason why I feel that I don't notice it as much is exactly what the article accredits it to: the dilution of a central religion. Because they all kind of went their separate ways, they somewhat conformed to the rest of our norms here in the U.S. instead of remaining a prevalent entity.
It was also mentioned that most German's tended to settle in small towns rather than urban areas. Thinking about my own experience in growing up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I find this to be quite true. I'd never really given it much thought, but my own Grandmother's house, which she's lived in since her childhood in the 1930's, is indeed built to a German design. This gives me the indication that even in such a rural area as where I lived, there was still German influence visible.
My favorite part of the pamphlet, however, HAD to be the food. I've always had a soft spot for brats, wieners, etc. and the fact that I even SAW the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile driving around Ann Arbor on my walk back today made it stick out in my mind. I'm also a huge sports fan, and I got the notion that many of our weekend game day traditions and tailgate foods can be traced back to German roots. "Beer and Brats" is a combination that many would agree is a fan favorite amongst sport-going men.
Overall, I'd have to agree that to an extent, German indeed IS American
Kultur 1 Blog
Reading the "How German is American" pamphlet was both interesting an informational. As a person with some German ancestry, it was exciting to find out more about the parts of German-American culture that my great-great-great grandparents may have been a part of. Especially since, as the pamphlet suggests, most German-Americans, including myself, don't know much about their roots in early America.
The section about the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect was interesting to me because I wasn't previously aware that people ever spoke German in the United States. I assumed that German immigrants would have just learned English and integrated with the rest of society (although they ended up doing that anyway).
This isn't really related to any larger point, but I found the idea of Germans participating in "Indian Clubs" pretty amusing. The mental image is hard not to chuckle at.
I think the German style of greeting was pretty cool, although I can't say I'd ever say "have a good lunch" (mahlzeit!").
Finally, I'm glad that German is such a popular language in Europe. I now have a better understanding that German could actually be put to a use other than fulfilling a language requirement.
The section about the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect was interesting to me because I wasn't previously aware that people ever spoke German in the United States. I assumed that German immigrants would have just learned English and integrated with the rest of society (although they ended up doing that anyway).
This isn't really related to any larger point, but I found the idea of Germans participating in "Indian Clubs" pretty amusing. The mental image is hard not to chuckle at.
I think the German style of greeting was pretty cool, although I can't say I'd ever say "have a good lunch" (mahlzeit!").
Finally, I'm glad that German is such a popular language in Europe. I now have a better understanding that German could actually be put to a use other than fulfilling a language requirement.
Kultur1
Dieser Artikel war interessant. America and Germany are pretty much one in the same. People have been coming from Germany to America for centuries. Der Artikel shows how German is having an impact on Amerikan society. In 2000 a study showed that 42.8 million Americans identified themselves as being of German ancestry. Ich wusste nicht, dass so viele Menschen in Amerika aus der Deutschland sind. Many people came because of the economy. After they arrived, they began to develop communities. Ich lerne die Turner movement uber. Es in Berlin in 1811 by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn gegrundet. There is evidence of this movement in many American communities. Throughout this article I've come to realize that there are many aspects of Germany in American society that I never knew of. Language became prominent, religion was important, tourists cites in other states are connected with Germany and more. Ich habe ein Film auf YouTube German America
I also found the discussion about "Bambi" to be very interesting. I never knew that Bambi was published in German; Ich liebe Bambi! It's amazing to see how things that I am accustomed to in the U.S. and that I thought originated in the U.S. could have come from Germany. It shows how much German culture advanced here in the U.S. but also how German Culture in Germany has also helped develop society here in the U.S.
I also found the discussion about "Bambi" to be very interesting. I never knew that Bambi was published in German; Ich liebe Bambi! It's amazing to see how things that I am accustomed to in the U.S. and that I thought originated in the U.S. could have come from Germany. It shows how much German culture advanced here in the U.S. but also how German Culture in Germany has also helped develop society here in the U.S.
Kultur 1
It's interesting reading the pamphlet on German culture and ethnicity in America because the more I read through it the more I thought of things in my own experience in the US that are related back to the underlying German heritage in the Midwest. One of the first things I thought of was Frankenmuth, MI. I think its more of a Bavarian style area, but it made the connection for me between the German immigrants coming to America and still celebrating some of their ethnicity, but really integrating into American society, as the town is today. I was also reminded of a story my grandpa told me about a church that used to be in downtown Detroit when he was a kid that said mass in German, but then stopped when WWII came around. I think the church is gone now, but it would have been interesting to see what kind of religious structure it had considering how the pamphlet discussed the preference of Germans to practice a different religion then they did back home in order to be a part of a German religious environment as opposed to a American environment.
The greetings in German I think are interesting. Its true that Americans don't greet each other as much, maybe just a "Hey" and a head nod, so it would be quite a different experience if everyone greeted each other more with handshakes and more proper addresses as it seems they do in German. The personal titles of "Herr" and "Frau" I find familiar, since I was taught in my family to always address someone not my contemporary as Mr. or Mrs., or Dr. or Professor as the book stated.
I'm relieved to find that so many different areas speak German, at least dialects of it, because when I told people I was taking German they felt I wouldn't be able to use it anywhere. I disagreed with them and this brief article supports my point. I'm a Microbiology major and I know that Germany is very big into engineering and the sciences, so I believe it will help me later in my career. Maybe I'll even get to attend a real Oktoberfest someday!
The greetings in German I think are interesting. Its true that Americans don't greet each other as much, maybe just a "Hey" and a head nod, so it would be quite a different experience if everyone greeted each other more with handshakes and more proper addresses as it seems they do in German. The personal titles of "Herr" and "Frau" I find familiar, since I was taught in my family to always address someone not my contemporary as Mr. or Mrs., or Dr. or Professor as the book stated.
I'm relieved to find that so many different areas speak German, at least dialects of it, because when I told people I was taking German they felt I wouldn't be able to use it anywhere. I disagreed with them and this brief article supports my point. I'm a Microbiology major and I know that Germany is very big into engineering and the sciences, so I believe it will help me later in my career. Maybe I'll even get to attend a real Oktoberfest someday!
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