From Affezäggus to Zabbelfillibb

"Hemdsärmelisch" Hessian - An Intensive Course

Do you know what a "Hannebambel" is? Do you live in a "Kabäusje"? Do you also like to do a "Niggersche" or treat yourself to a "Guudsjer"? If you live in Hessen or are planning to visit the region and don't know any of these words, then you should definitely take an intensive course in Hessian. Good thing that with "Von Affezäggus bis Zabbelfillibb" the perfect aid for learning the most beautiful dialect in the world has now come on the market.

The second and expanded edition of the book by linguist Hans W. Wolff, first published in 2007, brings the reader closer to the Hessian dialect in a lovingly amusing way. With the help of small texts, many examples and helpful tests, interested readers can refresh their rusty knowledge of "Babbeln" as well as take the first steps towards perfect Hessian. The fact that this intensive course proves to be so amusing is due to the loving realization of the book, which is reflected in particular in the small "Geschischdscher". With much wit and charm Wolff tells, for example, of conversations at the "Sennjohrndisch" about the "gude alde Zeit", introduces "Viescher wo rumfliesche", travels with the reader to the Wedderau and enlightens "Eigeplackte from all corners of de Welt" about whether the national drink of Hesse is now called Ebbelwei or Abbelwoi.

Who would like to test whether the book has to offer beside good entertainment also still another certain learning effect, some intermediate tests are offered. Readers have to solve tasks like "Wenn Viescher en lange Rissel hawwe sinns." or guess a professional group from Offenbach or find out which crime series can be called "besonners langleewisch".

The whole thing is then garnished with illustrations by Ludwig Nardelli. "Von Affezäggus bis Zabbelfillibb" is an extremely amusing, but also endearing book, which takes its task quite seriously, but conveys the "learning material" playfully and with a charming wink. A book that is at least as entertaining for die-hard Hessians as for those readers who already have problems with the pronunciation and understanding of the book title. Absolutely recommendable!

128 pages

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp