Being German Abroad, Germans Abroad

Introduction

Germans have always emigrated; they have done so not only for economic but also—especially after 1848—for political reasons as well. Germans in the diaspora varied greatly in terms of politics, culture, religion, and self-conception. Indeed, there was as much diversity among Germans who emigrated as among those who remained in Germany itself. At the same time, identification with the German language and culture remained a touchstone for emigrants, an important part of feeling German. This explains both the high number and the enormous importance of German schools worldwide. But debates about the German language also reflected the fact that many Germans abroad also felt a sense of belonging to their host country. Those who were unwilling to accept the idea of multiple attachments felt that Germanness was lost or diminished, for example, if German was mixed with other languages. In addition, certain feelings or longings (for the “German forest”) or characteristics (such modesty and athleticism) served as markers to set Germans apart from others.

Contents

  1. A German “Picnic in the Forest” as a Civilizing Influence on American Culture (1896)
  2. The Decline of the German Language: How Can We Save Our Classic Writers? (1897)
  3. Language Politics in Schools in German Southwest Africa (1911)
  4. Gymnastics as Cultural Heritage: The Gymnasium of the Belgrano School, Buenos Aires (1927)
  1. < Modern Museums
  2. German Culture, Jewish Culture: Interwovenness and Demarcation in the Nineteenth Century >