PERCEPTYVINIAI DIALEKTŲ TYRIMAI: MENTALINIS ŽEMĖLAPIS
PERCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF THE DIALECTAL DISCOURSE: MENTAL MAP

Summary/Abstract: The methodology of traditional dialectology, i.e. the principles of observation and description, allow for the drawing of the precise isoglosses of linguistic characteristics that distinguish various dialects and subdialects. In such a way, a more or less precise map is constructed that reflects the geographic distribution of the dialectal forms. However, although the maps worked out by researchers do not lack objectivity or reliability, they offer only partial information about dialect differentiation.The strategies of perceptual dialectology allow for the creation of a general image of the dialectal discourse and identification of perceptual isoglosses that mark the boundaries of dialect continuum in the consciousness of ordinary users and estimators. Since the subjective boundaries of dialects are related to the discursive and dialect competence of the members of language community, the feeling of language, language taste and language attitudes, the maps produced by non-professionals introduce the cultural connotation of dialect differentiation.The paper aims at the analysis of the mental map of Lithuanian dialects. The research has been based on the empirical data of ‘map’ task obtained during the complex test titled Perception and Estimation of the Dialectal Discourse carried out in 2004–2006. 548 respondents of the same age, i.e. 13–17 year old, participated in it, representing different regions of Lithuania. Two dialectal texts were localized on the map and qualified by the respondents: Text A did not show any distinct East-Highland dialect characteristics or distinct Anykštėnai elements but reflected some other dialectal characteristics; Text B distinguished itself by the distinct East-Higland accent features, the distinct Anykštėnai elements and some other dialectal characteristics. The paper offers the primary generalisations worked out on the basis of the experimental data with respect to the mental map of Lithuanian dialects.The dialect competence is only partially related to the capacity to perceive and recognize dialect differences. An imprecise mental map implies insights concerning the public prestige of another code (most probably, that of the Standard language), i.e. dialectal expression is not considered to be the prestigious code among the respondents of language groups. Thus, the dialect competence also reflects the stereotype values of the dialect, i.e. a non-attractive dialect negatively connoted from the social point of view is not recognized and localized far from the area of the estimating region.The mental map of dialects shows an inclination to form a relevant distance, i.e. to enlarge the distance and consciously lie about the locus of the dialect. The text with a distinct dialectal expressionis often localized in the Lowlands.

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