Cultural References and Linguistic Stereotypes in Tripadvisor Reviews about Germany

This paper analyzes which aspects of German culture are discussed by U.S.‑American and British tourists in their Tripadvisor reviews concerning Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions. The results show that the reviews include stereotypes as well as non-stereotypical observations about Germany. Research frameworks on linguistic stereotypes are used to describe the national stereotypes found in the reviews. The analysis also includes the use of German loanwords, as well as references to fellow visitors and comparisons with the authors’ home cultures. The paper finishes with a summary and a discussion before offering conclusions and suggestions for future research.