Language:
Portuguese
Year of publication:
2003
Titel der Quelle:
Revista de Estudos Judaicos
Angaben zur Quelle:
5 (2003-2004) 36-51
Keywords:
Klemperer, Victor,
;
Levi, Primo,
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Terminology
;
Holocaust survivors
Abstract:
Pp. 43-50 present Primo Levi's comments on the language of the concentration camps. He states that some knowledge of the German language was essential for survival. Those who did not know the language perished earlier because they lacked basic data needed to survive, such as how to obtain food and clothing, how to avoid the hardest work, and how to stay away from the more sadistic SS guards. He notes that the German language in the camps was either corrupted by obscenities and imprecations aimed at dehumanizing prisoners, or obscured by euphemisms in order to confuse the victims. In addition, the lack of a common language among the prisoners worsened their already difficult situation.
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