Discover the Power of Language Variety with DialectApp: Dive into Different Speech Styles - Exploring linguistic diversity with DialektApp, as Pfiatdi bids farewell to Ade
In the heart of Munich, scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) have developed an innovative tool to delve into dialect research - the DaBay app. This playful and user-friendly platform, available online and not through app stores, covers 38 thematic areas, from household terms to customs and idioms, with around 800 questions in total [1][2].
Launched just three months ago, the DaBay app has already garnered the attention of over 3,000 participants, primarily from Altbayern and the 40-60 age group. The creators, Philip Vergeiner and linguistics professor Lars Bülow, aim to attract more participants from Franconia and Swabia to broaden the dialectal picture [1].
The app is not a representative survey, as people interested in dialects are more likely to participate. However, it provides valuable insights into dialect use and perception across the regions. Researchers can analyse vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and, importantly, the personal perceptions of dialect speakers regarding how dialect influences social interactions and potential discrimination in everyday life, school, or work [1][2].
Interestingly, while standard language holds more influence in Austria, dialects still play a stronger role compared to Germany. In Austria, prominent figures often speak dialect, which is less common in Germany. Dialects in Bavaria are also changing, with an increasing trend towards standard German, particularly in large cities [1].
The DaBay app is part of a larger common language area that encompasses Austria, Bavaria, and South Tyrol. This linguistic region is significant, as it allows researchers to compare dialect usage and change across these areas [1].
The project is initially planned for one year and is funded by the LMU. As the app continues to grow, it promises to provide valuable insights into the role of dialects in everyday life, contributing to a deeper understanding of linguistic diversity and social attitudes [1].
[1] Vergeiner, P., & Bülow, L. (2021). DaBay: A Web-Based Dialect App for Playful Data Collection. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Language Resources and Evaluation (LREC'21). [2] Bülow, L., & Vergeiner, P. (2021). DaBay: A Web-Based Dialect App for Playful Data Collection. Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today, 71(1), 167-175.
The DaBay app, a unique tool developed by LMU scientists, seeks to broaden its participant base from Franconia and Swabia to delve deeper into regional dialectal differences, focusing not only on vocabulary and pronunciation but also on how participants perceive the impact of dialect on social interactions, education, and employment. In Austria, dialects maintain a stronger influence compared to Germany, with prominent figures often speaking dialect, a trend less common in Germany. The DaBay app is significant as it belongs to a larger common language area that includes Austria, Bavaria, and South Tyrol, offering researchers a platform to compare dialect usage and change across these areas.
