Zur sprachlichen Identitätskonstitution in Spielfilmen

This paper is based on the premise that language is frequently a fundamental element of collective
and individual identities, thus contributing to the construction of group identity, and also allowing
the group to be differentiated from other groups that speak a different language. From an external
perspective, the speaker of a particular language is often classified as the bearer of a specific
national identity, whereby stereotypical notions of positive or negative characteristics can be activated.
This is particularly evident in the comparison between German and Italian groups, which
shows polarizations both from an external and an internal perspective, that are firmly anchored
in the common knowledge of each community. Direct contact with the other group, especially in
the case of insufficient language skills, may lead to experiences of uncertainty and even alienation,
such as those shown in the German-Italian comedy »Maria, ihm schmeckt’s nicht!« (2009)
by Neele Leana Vollmar. This paper aims to illustrate the strategies of linguistic constitution of
identity adopted by the two main characters, Jan and Antonio, from a conversation analysis approach,
focusing on the use of stereotypes which can be used for very different functions, such
as explaining or argumentative procedures.