Constructing and Using Areal Variants in the Context of Everyday Language Discourses (Linguistics - Impulses & Trends, 85)

The empirical study examines the social significance of dialect and dialect use in Switzerland. Through interdisciplinary approaches, it elaborates on how (lay) linguistic perceptions and evaluations of language are connected to language use. It demonstrates that dialects are constructed through discursive processes and reproduced in language use, revealing how dialects are shaped by speakers.

The study delves into the interplay between lay linguistic perceptions, evaluations, and the actual language use of speakers in the Swiss context. By adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, the research uncovers the dynamic relationship between how people perceive and assess language varieties, and the ways in which these dialects are manifested and perpetuated in everyday communication.

A key insight of the study is that dialects are not merely pre-existing linguistic entities, but rather are actively constructed and reproduced through discursive practices. The findings demonstrate that the social significance of dialects is not fixed, but rather emerges from the ways in which speakers engage with and negotiate language in their interactions.

The research provides a nuanced understanding of the complex processes involved in the social construction of dialects. It highlights how dialects are not simply reflections of inherent linguistic differences, but are shaped by the perceptions, evaluations, and language choices of speakers themselves.

By exploring the intersection of lay linguistic views and actual language use, the study sheds light on the ways in which dialects are actively created and maintained within the Swiss context. This emphasizes the dynamic and socially embedded nature of linguistic variation, challenging simplistic notions of dialects as static or predetermined.

The interdisciplinary approach employed in the study allows for a comprehensive examination of the social significance of dialect, drawing on insights from fields such as linguistics, sociology, and sociolinguistics. This holistic perspective enables a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between language, sociocultural factors, and individual agency in the construction of dialects.

Overall, the empirical study offers valuable insights into the societal role of dialect and dialect use in Switzerland. It illuminates how dialects are not simply passive reflections of linguistic differences, but are actively shaped and negotiated by speakers through their discursive practices and language choices. This knowledge contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic and socially embedded nature of linguistic variation.

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