THE ROLE OF SOMATIC IDIOMS IN CHARACTER SPEECH FOR SOCIAL STATUS AND IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION IN GERMAN NOVELS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16809785Keywords:
somatic idioms, German literature, character speech, social status, identity construction, cultural metaphor, literary stylisticsAbstract
This article examines the role of somatic idioms in German novels as a means of shaping character speech to reflect both social status and personal identity. Drawing on examples from authors such as Thomas Mann and Juli Zeh, it highlights how body-related expressions convey not only vivid imagery but also culturally embedded meanings. These idioms act as markers of class distinction, emotional disposition, and interpersonal relationships, allowing readers to infer subtle social and psychological nuances. By analysing the cultural resonance and narrative function of such idioms, the study demonstrates that they are integral to authentic characterisation and the depiction of complex social worlds in German literature.
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