Soziolinguistische Aspekte des kolumbianischen Spanisch: Der Parlache

Abstract

Abstract This article deals with the sociolinguistic phenomenon of parlache in Colombian Spanish, which has developed from an argot into a sociolect. It has found its way into the general language and has become an integral part of the vocabulary of Colombians. The Parlache was originated in the marginal and peripheral sectors of the city of Medellín (Antioquia region), where it spread mainly among marginalised and therefore criminal youth from the slums. In contrast to many other slangs, jargots or argots, the parlache has meanwhile evolved from a so-called “anti-language” to a widespread idiom, especially among young people. But it has also conquered the media and found its way into literature, theatre and music, and is used and propagated, for example, by the well-known Colombian singer Juanes. The article traces the emergence of parlache since the 1980 s, analyses its main word formation patterns and provides some lexical examples. Furthermore, it will shed light on the reasons for the popularisation of this sociolect, which include, among others, the enormous linguistic wit and creativity of the speakers. Despite its peculiarities, the phenomenon is hardly known outside Colombia, and there are only a few works on it in the German-speaking world. Therefore, in conclusion, the need for further research is also pointed out, since a further popularisation, especially by the German-speaking countries, is expected.