GERMAN IN THE U.S.
The US has the largest concentration of German speakers outside of Europe. German-Americans are still the largest single ethnic group in the US and German is the 6th most commonly spoken non-English language in the US. However, the number of US German speakers is steadily declining. If you would like to learn more about the history of the German language, the German language schools in this country and whether German can remain a vital heritage language in the US see the following articles.
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CAN GERMAN REMAIN A VITAL HERITAGE LANGUAGE IN THE UNITED STATES?
Ludanyi, R. (2010). German in the USA. In K Potowski (Ed.), Language diversity in the USA (pp. 146-163). Boston, MA: Cambridge University Press.
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The demise of German as a pervasive language for 300 years in the United States is due to historical and demographic reasons. Creating an awareness of Germany as an important country and strengthening the role of German teaching has gained advocates in educational and political circles in Germany as well as in the United States.
GERMAN IN THE U.S.
Ludanyi, R. (2013). Can German Remain a Vital Heritage Language in the United States? Heritage Language Journal 10(3): 305-315.
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German presence in the US dates back to colonial times. It is believed that the first group of German Protestants arrived with a group of French Huguenots at Port Royal, South Carolina, as early as 1562. In 1608, German craftsmen, mostly carpenters, helped create the first American settlement in Jamestown...