“Fräulein!” A matter of Decency: Politeness and Decency as Conflict Resolution Strategies

Language is a key instrument in conflict negotiation, as it can both aggravate and mitigate problems. Respect and politeness, which can be expressed in form, tone, and choice of words, therefore have a significant influence on finding solutions in conflict situations. 

Using the example of the historical debate surrounding the form of address “Fräulein”, the speakers will examine, among other things, the continuity of linguistic change brought about by social and political influences. In this context, we will discuss why the demand for a correct form of address is often met with great resentment—and thus an insistence on the right to be rude. At the same time, central categories and conceptual pairs related to the topic will be examined: language and thought, language and decency, and language, identity, and social reality.

A conversation with Gülay Çağlar (member of the advisory board of the annual theme, Freie Universität Berlin) and Horst Simon (Freie Universität Berlin), hosted by Jutta Allmendinger (Academy Member).

Please sign up using the following link: https://www.bbaw.de/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung-fraeulein-eine-frage-des-anstands-hoeflichkeit-und-anstand-als-konfliktloesungsmechanismen