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Objectives

On the basis of previous work and of the latest advances in theoretical linguistics, dialectology, dialectal lexicography and dialect geography, the main objectives of this research proposal are formulated as follows:

  • To produce a much-needed and hitherto lacking major academic reference work, namely a historical dictionary of the Cappadocian dialects, both in print and in electronic form, adhering to the most rigorous and recent international standards

  • To produce, for the first time in Greece, an interactive dialectal atlas of the Cappadocian dialects, again following the most recent international technological advances.

  • To apply for the first time in Greece technological advances developed for the study of other languages.

  • To produce scholarly papers, one collective volume and one doctoral thesis.

  • To promote the Greek linguistic heritage through conference presentations and proceedings papers, publications in collective volumes and journals, and an interactive, dynamic webpage.

  • To contribute to the advancement of knowledge on linguistic variation as well as the advancement of Greek variationist studies,by offering a scientific and fully argumented analysis of specific phenomena, based on a rich and hitherto unexploited corpus of data, which meet the latest developments in linguistic theory and offer novel insights into linguistic mechanisms of variation and change.

  • To enhance the interdisciplinary character of research by joining forces with computer sciences/informatics for the compilation of the electronic and printed version of the dialectal atlas and the historical dictionary of Cappadocian Greek.

  • To offer support to young scientists, i.e. the P(rincipal) I(nvestigator) and the other participating young researchers, towards the promotion of an until recently neglected field, i.e. dialectology, and crucially towards the acquisition of novel research skills which will enhance the prospects for their career development, as well as for the development of new techniques and products in a field which in Greece does not follow, not yet at least, international academic standards.