GERMAN 18th CENTURY APODEMICA IN TERMS OF HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE GERMAN GRAMMATICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

This article discusses basic grammar features of the German language at the end of the 18th century — a period which already fully represents the contemporary stage of language development but still retains some aspects of earlier epochs. The research material are 4 less-known texts representing the last years of existence of apodemica, a unique genre of European travel advice literature (Heinrich August Ottokar Reichard “Handbuch für Reisende aus allen Ständen” (1784), Johann David Köhler “Anweisung zur Reiseklugheit für junge Gelehrte” (1788), G.Heinzmann “Rathgeber für junge Reisende” (1793), F. Posselt “Apodemik oder die Kunst zu reisen — ein systematischer Versuch” (1795)). Apodemica include general considerations on benefits and hazards of travelling, as well as practical advice for travelers. The article provides short characteristics of the period and the genre under study, analyzes main means of expressing incitement as the main author’s intention in the texts (using constructions with modal verbs müssen, sollen, haben/sein+zu + Infinitiv), constructions expressing causal relationships as part of the argumentative strategy, specifics of Konjunktiv  I development, word order (Ausklammerung, retreat from enormously complex sentences, abundance of parenthesis), compounding aspects (verb combinations with adverbs of direction), case function development, violation of the monoflexion principle in the group of a noun, etc. The article also outlines the ways for future investigations such as identification and analysis of oral speech traits in apodemica.

Keywords:

travel advice literature, Age of Enlightenment, historical syntax of the German language, frame construction, expression of incitement