Attitude towards dialects in Europe is fundamentally different from Russian. If the dialect for the local layman is likely to be a sign of illiteracy and a low level of education, then in Western Europe, especially in Austria, residents are proud of their local dialect. For example, in Germany, those politicians who speak the local dialect will always have an advantage over those who speak only the literary German language.
Literary language versus dialect
Austria has historically played the role of the capital of all German lands for a long time. Therefore, many are now interested in the question of what language is spoken in Austria. The official languages here are German, Hungarian and Slovenian. But at any serious events, literary German called Hochdeutsch will always be used. However, this has nothing to do with neglect of dialects. Rather, broadcasting in the literary language takes place so that the information is understood by as many listeners as possible.
Literary German is used in all official institutions - in schools and universities. Books and newspapers are printed on it. However, in ordinary life, “high” German is used only by visitors to the country. Locals communicate with each other using a dialect. Someone who wants to understand what language is spoken in Austria may be puzzled by some ordinary situations. For example, a teacher in an educational institution can give a lecture in an understandable literary language. And after class, turn to your friend in a dialect from which a foreigner can not understand anything.
Which German dialect is Austrian closer to?
Even the dialects of Austria and Germany differ from each other. They say that the inhabitants of the northern and southern regions of Germany are unlikely to be able to explain among themselves. Both spoken and generally accepted official languages in Austria are closer to the Bavarian German dialect, as well as to Swiss German, than to the Hochdeutsch accepted all over the world. One of the first researchers who began to study the differences in numerous German dialects in the 18th century was Johann Popovich.
What language is spoken in Austria: differences from German
Austrian German differs from official German in all respects. These are differences in grammar, and features of pronunciation, and vocabulary. At the end of the 19th century, the famous linguist and philologist Konrad Duden published "The Complete Spelling Dictionary of the German Language." His goal was to unify and standardize German spelling. The rules that the philologist developed became the basis of official German. However, they were not extended to the Austrian version. Thus, in Austria, German has its own characteristics.
Which option is more melodic?
Austrians believe that their German is much more melodic and pleasant to perceive than German in Germany. The Germans, of course, are convinced of the opposite. However, it is possible that there is some truth in the conviction of the Austrians: in Austria, the softening suffix –l is very often used. He turns dry German words such as Pfand or Packung into Pfandel and Packerl.
English help
Every tourist is interested in what language is spoken in Austria. Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Baden - in these cities and in many others, most of the signs, announcements and the names of the stops are made in German.
However, in places of tourist congestion, large shopping centers and hotels there are always leaflets and guides with the English version. Many residents of Austria also speak English and are always ready to help a stray tourist. ATMs and devices for selling train tickets also switch from German to English throughout Austria. In any Austrian museum there is an option of English audio accompaniment, and in the largest - even audio guides in Russian.
Minority languages in Austria
Even neighboring Germans may not be aware of the language spoken in Austria. Tyrol, for example, as well as Vorarlberg, are provinces in which they communicate in the Swabian dialect of German. And in most other lands they speak the South Bavarian dialects. Of great importance are the languages of ethnic minorities, who live mainly near the borders of the state. These are Slovenes, Croats and Hungarians.
The native language of each of these peoples has its own influence on the language spoken in Austria. In these regions, teaching in schools is bilingual. This also applies to newspapers, official signs. For example, in Styria and Carinthia, such additional languages are Slovenian and Croatian. Local dialects slowly but inevitably influence the Austrian version of German.
The question of which language is spoken in Austria and Australia is unlikely to cause difficulties for anyone. After all, Australia is a continent located thousands of kilometers from German-speaking countries. Australia's main language is Australian English.