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From http://www.dw.com/en/linguists-seek-to-preserve-endangered-regional-german-dialects/a-35885772

Linguists seek to preserve endangered regional German dialects

Often looked down upon as "pidgin German," dialects are an important part of cultural memory and diversity. Researchers say the vibrant spectrum of regional variations of German is under threat.

One recurring assertion in the debates about refugees in Germany has been the demand that migrants have to be fluent in German in order to integrate into, and function within, the society. Standard or High German is what's meant. But amidst the drive to get everyone who lives in Germany speaking "Hochdeutsch," others are concerned with preserving the many diverse regional dialects inside and outside the country.

…One well-documented dialect outside German-speaking Europe is "Texas German," a variant with many grammatical irregularities and Anglicisms used in parts of the American state like the town of Weimar (pronounced "WHY-mur"). It's a remnant of a thriving German immigrant culture from the 19th century. According to the Texas State Historical Association, Germans represented the largest ethnic group in the state deriving solely from Europe and constituted more than 5 percent of the population.

Read the full article at http://www.dw.com/en/linguists-seek-to-preserve-endangered-regional-german-dialects/a-35885772