Chapter 9. Tracking change in social meaning

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the different connotations of [ɨ] (a variant of the phoneme /i/) in Sweden in order to discuss the possible processes behind the changes in social meaning for a linguistic form. We investigate two rural areas (Skärhamn and Edsbyn), where the feature has been part of the traditional dialect, indexing place. In order to investigate how the social meaning of this variant has changed over time we have approached the phenomenon from different angles. Apart from investigating the change in use between the mid–20th century and present time, we have analysed informants’ production, attitudes and specifically perception of [ɨ] today. In Skärhamn [ɨ] still indexes place. In Edsbyn, the social meaning of this variant is more complex.

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