이탈리아 내 독일어 사용자들의 시련 -제2차 세계대전기 알토 아디제 지방을 중심으로-

Alto-Adige, an Italian region in the Alps, demonstrates in a fierce way the conflicts and sufferings of its marginalization in the process of nation-state building. This region which had been Austrian territory was annexed to Italy after the First World War, with the majority of its population being German-speaking. Since then, a series of events over its linguistic· ethnic identity took place. Throughout the inter-war period, the fascist regime tried to change forcedly its longstanding identity in the name of the Italianization. But the inhabitants of Alto Adige did not give up painful but tenacious efforts to preserve the German language and culture. This study examines a series of dramatic trials which the habitants of this region were forced to endure during the Second World War. Under the name of ‘Option’, its German-speaking population was forced to choose between moving to Germany and staying in Italy. The overwhelming majority chose to move to the Third Reich. Beginning in September 1943, Nazi direct rule over Alto Adige was another hardship inflicted on both the Italian-speaking and German-speaking population. The war imposed severe sacrifices (migrations and deaths) to the habitants of Alto Adige who wanted to remain in their own homeland. Their demand for autonomy or independence reflected, however, a need to reconsider regional identity after the war. The painful experiences and their effects lead to being able to trace how a new type of regional identity of Alto Adige could emerge. This identity was mainly based in German language and culture, and too firm to be readily disintegrated by difficulties.