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"German Individual Residing in Austria Exhibits Undead Behavior"

Austrian language not just a dialect, claims linguist Stefan Dollinger after surveying Austrians' opinions on their native tongue.

"German citizen residing in Austria exhibits characteristics resembling those of a zombie"
"German citizen residing in Austria exhibits characteristics resembling those of a zombie"

"German Individual Residing in Austria Exhibits Undead Behavior"

Stefan Dollinger, a renowned linguist, has published an interim report from his ongoing study on Austrian German. The survey, which received over 40,000 responses, aims to delve into the resilience of Austrian German and its persistence over time.

In the report, Dollinger suggests that Austrian German has a long history dating back to the time of Maria Theresa. He compares the language's endurance to a 300-year-old love story, describing it as a "zombie" that won't die. Despite influences from German TV, Berlin radio, newspapers from Hamburg and Munich, Austrian German has managed to withstand the test of time.

However, it's important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that surveys on Austrian dialects in the 18th century were conducted by Maria Theresa, and this is not mentioned in the provided study or sources.

Dollinger's survey findings were significant enough to warrant an interim report. People have been trying to shake off Austrian German since Maria Theresa, according to Dollinger, but the language has proven difficult to eliminate. The interim report provides a summary of the survey's initial findings, which surprised Dollinger in their consistency and depth.

The survey results are a key part of Dollinger's ongoing study on Austrian German. While they are not yet the final findings, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the language's persistence and the factors that contribute to its resilience. Dollinger uses the metaphor of a love story to describe the persistence of Austrian German, emphasising its enduring charm and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.

Dollinger's study on Austrian German is a testament to the richness and diversity of the German language and the cultural history of Austria. As the study continues to unfold, it promises to shed light on the unique characteristics of Austrian German and its continued relevance in today's world.

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