| Abstract [eng] |
The dissertation analyzes images of language varieties in transitional variability areas. The study is based on the assumption that a language variety in linguistic variability research can be treated as a primary category (linguistic characteristics and markers), while images are secondary, reflecting the mindset (attitudes, beliefs, perception in general) about the linguistic variety. Transitional variability is perceived as the result (and process) of relations between the varieties within the vertical linguistic continuum (e.g., between a dialect and the standard language) and the horizontal continuum (e.g., between different dialects). Thus, different locations of distinct dialectal marking were included in the study: the vertical continuum, i.e., the relationship between the standard variety and a dialect (local language variety) is represented by Telšiai and Plungė, and the horizontal continuum is reflected by Naujoji Akmenė and Raseiniai. The research material consists of comprehensive data from a perceptual dialectology experiment conducted on the younger generation. Both verbalised and visualised attitudes were examined. The material includes data from ArcGIS Survey123 (open-ended and closed questions, map data (mental maps) and commentary) and semi-structured focus group discussion. The study shows that the variation of images of language varieties within the areas of transitional variability illustrates the reflective relationship of ordinary members of a speech community with the variety of their linguistic homeland, varieties of surrounding areas and the standard variety. These images are one of the reflections of changing local language varieties, associated with the recognizable fading dialectal marking. |
