On the dynamics of intonation in Austrian dialects

This project will investigate how intonation patterns vary across regions and generations in Austria. The project compares four dialect areas, three Bairisch varieties and one Alemannic variety, using an apparent-time approach with speakers from three generations. Combining phonological analysis with fine-grained phonetic measurements, the study examines both shared intonational inventories and subtle differences in phonetic realization. The project aims to shed light on interregional variation, generational change, and ongoing dialect dynamics such as leveling, contact, and phonetic reduction in Austrian German.