The cultural and linguistic context of English in West Germany

A growing number of studies document the spread and influence of English in Afrka and Asia and its subsequent nativization in these non‐native contexts. However, the spread and nativization of English has not been restricted to former colonies. In Europe, too, English plays a significant role in the daily lives of Germans, Italians and Danes. This paper considers the linguistic creativity of West German users of English and their particular variety of English. Attention will be given to describing the forms and functions of this variety, processes of nativization, especially the process of borrowing, and West Germans’ attitudes toward English and toward the development of a variety of English that is distinctly German. Throughout, the term ‘German English’ will be used to highlight the unique social, cultural and linguistic role English plays in the German context or situation.