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Level: Advanced
Duration: 90 minutes
The history of the German language since the seventh century A.D. can be seen
in surviving literary monuments. These documents allow linguists to trace patterns in consonant changes over many
centuries - patterns that are closely connected to the geography of the German language territory. By studying those
consonant patterns, the family history researcher can determine in which parts of Germany certain consonant changes occurred.
This knowledge can be applied in determining the origin of a specific given name or surname. Knowledge of the German
language would be helpful in this presentation, but is not required. The presenter can use names supplied by the audience
to illustrate the relationship between consonant patterns and geography.
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