Final answer:
The basis of Modern Standard German emerged from the dialects of the Germanic states, influenced heavily by Luther's Bible translation. The standardization process was fortified by the unification of Germany in 1871, and the language continues to evolve with societal and technological advances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basis of Modern Standard German, the official language of Germany, can be traced back centuries but saw significant development during the 19th century. German unification in 1871 played a pivotal role in the language's standardization. Before unification, different German-speaking regions often used a variety of dialects which stemmed from the diverse member states of the Germanic Confederation, a successor of the Holy Roman Empire established in 1815. The Confederation aimed to defend against external threats rather than unify language or culture.
Modern Standard German was influenced by Luther's translation of the Bible, which became a model for written German. This form of the language is now prevalent in government, education, and media. Sociolinguistic studies, such as those by Lera Boroditsky, suggest that the grammatical structure of Modern Standard German, which includes gendered nouns, can influence perception. This demonstrates the strong connection between language development and cultural factors including religion, education, and historical events.
As languages evolve, they adapt to societal changes. Technology has introduced numerous new terms to the German vocabulary, such as "E-Mail" and "Internet", highlighting the adaptability and ongoing evolution of the language. Thus, Modern Standard German is constantly developing, reflecting changes in society and assimilating new ideas and technologies.