Talking atlas for Austrian dialects
The dialect in Austria is not decreasing, but it is changing. A major research project asks dialect speakers in front of the microphone, redraws language barriers and documents many expressions that will soon become extinct.
In western Austria people prefer to give information about their dialect than in eastern Austria. The researchers notice this in the project “Variation and Change of Dialectical Varieties in Austria”, which is part of the special research area “German in Austria” – funded by the FWF Science Fund. SIE is creating an Austria-wide atlas of dialect forms for the first time. To do this, the researchers go to remote locations and interview locals. “Of course we choose very carefully with whom the three- to five-hour conversations are to be held,” says Philip Vergeiner, German studies specialist at the University of Salzburg.
Optimal are people who do not have a high school diploma and have a non-communicative profession – waitresses or hairdressers are eliminated. Farming families are more likely. “Our team calls through. The local farmer or elementary school teacher often gives you tips on who could join, ”says Vergeiner. Older people are more often interested in documentation of their language. Young men should also be enthusiastic about taking part.