alsatian

Alsatian is an adjective describing what relates to Alsace, a historic region in northeastern France, and a noun used for people from Alsace (Alsatians). It may also refer to the Alsatian language, a Germanic dialect spoken in the region, and, in older usage, to the Alsatian dog, now generally called the German Shepherd in many countries.

Geography and history: Alsace lies on the Rhine frontier, in the Grand Est region, with Strasbourg as its capital. Its border location has shaped a culture with French and German influences. The area belonged to the Holy Roman Empire, passed to France in the 17th century, and was part of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918 before returning to France after World War II.

Language: Alsatian, or Alsatian German, is part of the Alemannic branch of West Germanic languages. It is related to Swiss German and Swabian and has borrowed French vocabulary. Traditionally spoken alongside French, it is considered endangered by some, with efforts to preserve it through education and media.

Culture and economy: The region is known for its cuisine, wine (Riesling and Gewürztraminer), timbered villages, and Christmas markets. Place names and signage often appear in both French and Alsatian, reflecting a bilingual landscape. Tourism and viticulture are important to the regional economy.

Nomenclature: The term "Alsatian" is still used for the German Shepherd Dog in some contexts, though the breed is widely called the German Shepherd in modern usage. For people and language, the term remains in use to describe Alsace and its heritage.