Abstract

This article explores the notion of variation within homogeneity, using as a case study a German-speaking Sprachinsel (or linguistic enclave) established in the Western District of Victoria in 1853. The research demonstrates that a language community, even one that is highly concentrated geographically and with a high degree of homogeneity in both background and religious persuasion, is ultimately made up of subgroups and individuals, who may react to internal and external pressures regarding language and language use in quite different ways.