Falco Pfalzgraf presents research on linguistic purism and gender-inclusive language at the University of Marburg
Dr Falco Pfalzgraf, Reader in German Linguistics (MLCL/STA), has been invited to present his research on linguistic purism and resistance to gender-inclusive language at an academic workshop at the University of Marburg, Germany, 29-30 October 2026.
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The presentation examines how two German language associations, the Verein Deutsche Sprache (VDS) and the Verein für Sprachpflege (VfS), represent and oppose gender-inclusive language. Drawing on discourse analysis, the research investigates the similarities and differences between the associations' arguments, the language ideologies underlying them, and their relationship to wider traditions of linguistic purism in Germany.
The presentation forms part of Falco's ongoing research into linguistic purism, language ideologies, and resistance to gender-inclusive language. This research also contributes to his wider work on the relationship between language, gender, politics, and society.