Dynamics of the dialect continuum in the context of urbanization: a linguogeographical and demographic analysis (a case study of Western Anatolia)

Abstract

This study addresses the critical scientific problem of how urbanization processes influence the dynamics of dialect continua in the unique multi-substrate region of Western Anatolia, where the tension between preserving dialectal features and language standardization is particularly acute. The objective of this work is to conduct a comprehensive linguogeographic and demographic analysis of the transformation of the Turkish dialect continuum under urbanization. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were accomplished: 1) identifying key characteristics of the continuum (phonetic, lexical, morphological); 2) analyzing the impact of demographic factors (migration, age structure) on language change; 3) determining the mechanisms of urbanization effects (hyperurbanization, accommodation); and 4) constructing a predictive linguogeographic model. The object of study is the Turkish dialect continuum in Western Anatolia, while the subject focuses on its dynamics under urbanization and demographic influences. The hypothesis regarding the reduction of dialectal boundaries and the emergence of hybrid forms has been empirically confirmed. A multidisciplinary methodological framework was employed, including field methods (audio recordings of 120 speakers stratified by age/migration status), linguogeographic mapping in QGIS (80 parameters), demographic analysis (TÜİK data), and statistical modeling (R, SPSS). Key findings include:1) A three-zone transformation was identified: a 43% reduction (1990-2023) in the Aegean palatalization area, the emergence of hybrid regiolects (e.g., düyme for “button”), and the preservation of relic clusters (isolation index > 0.9); 2) Demographic factors account for 85% of linguistic variability (β = 0.92 for correlation “proportion of 60+ speakers → agglutination preservation”); 3) A “mosaic resilience” model and LVI index were developed to predict language shifts. Practical significance: The results are applicable for safeguarding linguistic heritage (priority documentation of LVI > 0.8 zones) and language policy planning.

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