Loanwords in Modern German: Exploring Phonetic and Grammatical Adaptations

Abstract

This study explores the phonetic and grammatical adaptation of loanwords in modern German, focusing primarily on borrowings from English and French. The research examines how foreign sounds are adjusted to fit German phonology, with particular attention to vowel and consonant shifts, as well as stress patterns. Additionally, the study investigates how loanwords are integrated grammatically, analyzing gender assignment, pluralization, and inflection. Findings reveal that while loanwords generally conform to native German grammatical rules, exceptions exist, particularly in gender assignment and pluralization. The study also highlights the influence of globalization, especially through English loanwords in business and technology, which often retain their original pronunciation and pluralization. These results contribute to the understanding of language contact, borrowing, and adaptation in a globalized linguistic environment.