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In:Variation in Language Acquisition: Unity in diversity
Edited by Laura Rosseel and Eline Zenner
[Trends in Language Acquisition Research 34] 2025
► pp. 240–260

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Chapter 12
In(ter)dependent dialect and standard L2 systems?

On the development of receptive varietal proficiency

 | University of Salzburg
 | University of Zurich
Published online: 4 November 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/tilar.34.12end
Abstract
In the Austro-Bavarian region, everyday spoken language ranges from standard to non-standard (i.e., dialect) forms. Navigating this variation is challenging for second language (L2) learners, especially due to the lack of pedagogical materials for non-standard varieties in Austria. This study examines how L2 learners in Austria develop in terms of their comprehension of dialect and standard varieties. Using the Test of Reception of Grammar (TROG), we measured learners’ understanding of five grammatical constructions in both standard German and Austro-Bavarian dialect. Results indicate higher comprehension of standard German, with differences across grammatical constructions. Developmental analyses highlight that (a) after 5 to 10 years in Austria, learners show no major differences in their comprehension of standard German and dialect, and (b) classroom learning is not particularly beneficial for developing receptive varietal proficiency.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Receptive varietal proficiency in a L2
  • 3.Data and analysis
    • 3.1Participants
    • 3.2Test of Reception of Grammar
    • 3.3Analysis
  • 4.Results
  • 5.Discussion and conclusion
  • Appendix
  • Notes
  • References
References (40)
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