The Role of Neologisms in German Literature: Usage and Recognition of Anglicisms

Аннотация

This study investigates the presence and function of neologisms in contemporary German literature, with a particular focus on Anglicisms. It examines how these new lexical items—whether directly borrowed from English or adapted into German—shape stylistic expression, reflect cultural identity, and influence reader perception. The research draws on a corpus of twenty novels published between 2010 and 2024, combining semantic analysis with close reading of literary contexts. Findings indicate that Anglicisms are not merely linguistic imports; they are frequently reshaped to fit German usage, often acquiring localized meanings. They serve to add authenticity, capture contemporary speech patterns, and position characters within specific social or generational groups. However, their integration can also present comprehension challenges, especially for readers less exposed to English. The paper concludes that while Anglicisms enrich the expressive resources of German literature, their effectiveness depends on purposeful and context-sensitive use. Keywords: German literature, neologisms, Anglicisms, contemporary fiction, semantic adaptation, cultural identity, literary style. different age groups, how meaning shifts when terms Introduction: The German language, like all living are localized, and whether heavy reliance on them languages, is in a constant state of change, shaped by might alienate certain readers. By exploring the role of social, cultural, and technological influences. In recent these lexical innovations in modern German literature, decades, the global rise of English has profoundly this study engages with broader discussions on how impacted the German lexicon, particularly in literature. languages evolve, how literature reflects and shapes Neologisms, and especially Anglicisms, have emerged that evolution, and how the balance between as prominent stylistic and thematic elements in novels, innovation and tradition can be maintained. poetry, and digital storytelling. This phenomenon mirrors the realities of globalization, where linguistic METHODS borders are increasingly permeable and cultural To ensure accuracy and relevance, the study used a exchange is a daily occurrence. combination of text analysis and contextual In literature, new words, whether directly borrowed interpretation: from English or adapted into German forms, add - Corpus Analysis: Twenty contemporary authenticity by capturing the speech patterns of German novels published between 2010 and 2024, contemporary society. They infuse narratives with representing a range of genres, were examined. Each freshness, expand expressive possibilities, and situate neologism was recorded, with particular focus on those texts within specific cultural moments. Anglicisms can of English origin. signal modernity, technological awareness, and a - Semantic Analysis: Identified Anglicisms were connection to global youth culture, while also compared with their original English meanings to provoking debate over linguistic identity and tradition. observe any semantic shifts, noting morphological At the same time, their spread raises important adaptations and contextual nuances in the German considerations: how such words are perceived by usage. American Journal Of Philological Sciences 29 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN – 2771-2273) - Literary Contextualization: Key excerpts compared to their English origins; for example, Handy containing neologisms were studied to understand how is used in German to mean “mobile phone,” diverging these words contribute to realism, cultural completely from its English meaning “practical” or background, character development, or thematic “useful.” emphasis. Literary examples showed that authors often This approach provided a balanced view of both the integrated these words to add realism to dialogue, frequency of Anglicisms in literature and the ways in create a contemporary tone, and signal characters’ which they function within a literary context. generational or subcultural identities. In youth- oriented fiction, phrases like Ich muss das updaten or