The study describes everyday 19th century written German as the 'unmarked case' displaying developments that are crucial for the understanding of the tendencies discernible in the present-day form of the language. Based on analyses of 19th century emigrant correspondence, 'Language History from Below' advocates a dual shift in perspectives for research on language (history): first a greater concern for language use in broad sectors of the population, and second a focus on the socio-communicative foundations of German as a modern cultural idiom.