Communicating dialects

Dialects are the oldest forms of language spoken in Austria today. Even though they are subject to constant dynamics, like all living languages, they have remained virtually unchanged in their original forms for centuries. They are a real treasure trove not only for linguists, to which they provide insights into current and historical variation and change in language, but also for other sciences and ultimately for laypeople, for whom the vocabulary of dialects opens a window into past ways of life. Dialects continue to shape everyday language in most regions of Austria to this day. For many speakers, they are therefore the basic means of communication that remains the foundation of their increasingly differentiated linguistic repertoire throughout their lives. For many, dialects also have a special emotional significance they are a fundamental part of their linguistic identity. The Communicating Dialects project builds on the extensive findings of a larger project entitled Variation and Change in Austrian Dialect Varieties. Over the course of almost ten years, this project collected audio recordings from a total of 295 dialect speakers from 106 locations throughout Austria. The aim of the Communicating Dialects project is to make essential data and findings from these data collections available to a broad public. In this way, research data is returned to the community that contributed to it. To this end, a platform is being created, the centrepiece of which is a talking dialect atlas. This user-friendly online atlas will enable users to explore the diversity of the Austrian dialect landscape and listen to audio samples of the dialects. They will enable users to compare dialect examples from older and younger speakers and thus hear how the dialects have changed over time. Through various subpages (including explanatory texts and a download area), the platform will convey insights into linguistic variation in Austria. By highlighting both the diversity and complexity of dialects, the aim is to provide insights into dialects, raise awareness of their cultural value and, last but not least, break down prejudices against them. Finally, the disclosure and explanation of the research process is intended to promote trust and understanding of scientific research. The launch of the online platform will be accompanied by an advertising campaign to increase the platform`s visibility and encourage its use. As part of a social media strategy, information and opportunities for participation will be offered on an ongoing basis, such as weekly highlights of results and interactive features such as a dialect quiz, to promote sustained participation.