Abstract
Languages, dialects, and speakers have been found to show variability in articulation rate and speech rhythm. The present study examines whether temporal variability found between four Alemannic (ALM) dialects is also present in the same speakers’ Swiss Standard German (SSG) varieties. The results suggest that ALM interferences are not systematic. Whereas in ALM dialects, Churspeakers show the quickest articulation rate and Brig speakers the slowest, amongst the SSG varieties, Zurich speakers articulated the most quickly and Bern the most slowly. As for further rhythm metrics, the insights of this study provide evidence that consonantal variability is more telling regarding dialect/variety identification than vocalic measures.
Zihlmann, Urban