The primary purpose of this work is to give an idea of the dialect which
has been developed by the German-speaking element in Brazil.
As comparatively little is known by the English-speaking public
concerning the history, location and relative importance of the German
element in Brazil (judging from extant English publications referring to
the subject), the main part of the work has been preceded by a chapter
dealing with these particular phases. This first chapter is also
intended to prepare the reader to form a reasonable estimate of the
comparative importance and extent of the dialect under discussion in the
main part of the work.
In connection with this study the author is particularly indebted to the
well-known authority on German American cultural relations and
conditions, Professor Marion Dexter Learned, of the University of
Pennsylvania. It was at his suggestion and under his constant help and
advice that the plan was carried out.
While on a trip of investigation in Brazil the writer was furnished
important information and material by Friedrich Sommer, _Direktor_ of
the "Banco Allemão Transatlantico" of São Paulo; Henrique Bamberg of São
Paulo; Otto Specht, _Chefe da Secção de Publicidade e Bibliotheca_ of
the "Secretaria da Agricultura" of São Paulo; Johann Potucek,
Austro-Hungarian Consul in Curityba; J.B. Hafkemeyer, S.J., of the
"Collegio Anchieta," Porto Alegre; G.A. Büchler of the "Neue Schule,"
Blumenau; Cleto Espey, O.F.M., of the "Collegio St. Antonio," Blumenau;
E. Bloch, _Engenheiro Chefe da Estrada de Ferro Santa Catharina,_
Itajahy; Nikolaus Dechent, _Direktor_ of the "Deutsche Schule,"
Joinville; Petrus Sinzig, O.F.M., of the "Convento dos Franciscanos,"
Petropolis; Edmondo Hees, Editor of the "Nachrichten," Petropolis;
Pastor Fr. L. Hoepffner of the "Deutsch-Evangelische Gemeinde," Rio de
Janeiro; W. Münzenthaler, _Kaiserlicher General-Konsul,_ Rio de Janeiro;
and Heinrich Lotz, _Kgl. Bezirksgeologe a.D._, Berlin.
Special thanks are also due to Professor D.B. Shumway, of the
University of Pennsylvania, for valuable suggestions and assistance in
the final arrangement of the manuscript.
The above-mentioned persons are in no wise responsible for any errors
which may appear in the text.
=CHAPTER I.=