Phonetic and Phonemic Grounding of Lectal Coherence

Felicitas Kleber (UdS Saarbrücken) & Jonathan Harrington (LMU Munich)

This project explores how phonetic and phonological variation shapes lectal coherence and language change. Using large-scale acoustic analyses, perception experiments, and agent-based modelling, it investigates covariation of acoustic cues across German dialects and their role in stabilising or transforming varieties. By linking micro-level phonetic detail with macro-level lectal patterns, the project advances theories of synchronic variation and diachronic change, contributing to a deeper understanding of sound systems, coherence, and linguistic stability.