Abstract
Pazarcik Dialect: Vowels
Dialects with a living identity are of great importance in terms of preserving the features of various variants linked to a language. Moreover, the richness of a language is closely related to the elucidation of the lexical heritage embedded within its dialects. Dialect studies provide valuable data on phonology, morphology, syntax and vocabulary, while also serving as sources for interdisciplinary research.
Many affixes, sounds and words that have fallen out of use or are forgotten in the written language -some of which date back to pre-literary or ancient historical periods- continue to survive within dialects. The data offered by dialect studies enable scholars to trace the historical development and changes that a language has undergone over time. For this reason, it is essential to collect records from regions that have not yet been examined and to complete fieldwork in these areas. Based on these studies, it is possible to determine phonetic and morphological similarities or differences specific to the language.
Located in a historically rich region, Pazarcik bears traces of various civilizations. Its geographic position, along with its ethnic and socio-cultural features, renders the region diverse in terms of linguistic sources. The settlement of many civilizations in the area has enriched the local dialect not only historically but also linguistically. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the dialect of this region is imperative.
This study aims to provide a detailed identification of the phonetic characteristics of the Pazarcik dialect. It focuses specifically on a subsection of the Kahramanmaras dialect. The compilation texts were selected from five neighborhoods that best reflect the phonetic features. The recorded materials from Cigdemtepe, Goynuk, Mehmet Emin Arikoglu (the central neighborhood), Egrice and Saril neighborhoods were transcribed using phonetic notation. The resulting texts were evaluated in terms of the vowels and phonological phenomena observed in the region. The findings are discussed in the conclusion section.
Keywords
Turkish language, Anatolian Dialects, Pazarcik Dialect, Phonetic, Vowels.