Variation in real time

Our research on the local variation of Catalan in Petrer (Alicante) analyses language variation in real time with a focus on a sound change in progress. Studying the replacement of the palatal affricate voiced consonant by its corresponding voiceless sound, we aim to define the extension and progress of this change though a comparison of the results obtained by B. Montoya (1985) in his thesis to our results, taken between 2006 and 2007. To determine if the variable rule is a cyclic phenomenon repeated generation after generation, or if local variability in sound change has progressed, we have recovered a certain number of people selected in the original sample to have them undergo an identical interview again. Our results have revealed that at this time sound change has not stopped. On the contrary, even the older speakers show a higher tendency to apply the variable rule.

• Affiliations: 1: University of Alicante