Warum Einsprachige Integrieren Müssen, Mehrsprachige aber nicht

Abstract

Explanatory models for the integration of foreign words have identified a variety of mainly sociolinguistically determinable factors that influence the degree, direction and course of contact phenomena. In these socio-factorial models of integration, multilingualism has simply been treated as one of many equally important factors. This article presents the hypothesis that multilingualism does not simply represent one factor among many – instead, the multiple social factors need to be backed by at least rudimentary multilingualism. This assumed central role of multilingualism (as a basic condition rather than as an optional factor) is subsequently empirically analyzed. An experimental study comparing the ability of monolinguals and bilinguals to produce foreign elements is presented. On the basis of phonetic and morphological variables in Italian-German contact, microstructural and statistical evidence shows that multilingualism is the basic prerequisite for being able to keep the structure of the original language – or rather not having to integrate into the recipient system. This shows that monolinguals need to integrate automatically, while social factors are only relevant for bilinguals. Change processes in varieties result from cumulative effects of low multilingualism and/or social factors in case of high multilingualism.