Multilingual memory albums in Wisconsin and the Duchy of Schleswig

Abstract

Memory albums, sometimes known as poetry albums or autograph books (German Stammbuch; Danish stambog), have existed in some form for centuries, and by the 19th century, the practice was common among many members of society and were often kept by school-aged children or young adults. Such albums are considered to have been kept for the purposes of group affiliation and for collecting personal memories for the future. Because of this, they are a useful source in historical sociolinguistic research, particularly regarding the reconstruction of social networks and understanding community of practice. By focusing on memory albums created during the same time period in two distinct locations by bi- or multilingual social groups, this chapter aims to shed light on differences and similarities of the communities of practice taking part in memory album creation; one in Wisconsin, the other in the Duchy of Schleswig. Results from this chapter show that for each location, a dominant language is apparent, and similarities arise according to the sex of the album owner.