Šiauliečių kalbinis tapatumas: anketinis tyrimas

EN“Lithuanian Contemporary Research into Geolinguistics: Point Network Optimization and Interactive Dissemination of Dialect Information” is a research project developed by the Institute of Lithuanian Language. Dialectologists of Šiauliai University are the project participants among others. Šiauliai is located at the intersection of the two main Lithuanian dialects spoken by Highlanders and Samogitians accordingly representatives of the two dialects live in the city. The survey included 140 respondents. Based on the survey research, it has been concluded that the population of Šiauliai city can point out the differences between the two varieties of the language, spoken and written, assigning the functions and activity scopes typical of each one of them. The spoken language is a language used to communicate with family, relatives, and neighbours; it is the native dialect. The written language is a language used in literature, print media, and correspondence; since it is not as spontaneous and lively, the standardized version, the standard Lithuanian language, is the best option. An individual who speaks / uses a dialect is seen as socially engaging, respecting the native dialect and patriotically-minded person by the representatives of Šiauliai city. Key words: Šiauliai city, Lithuanian, dialect, standard language, sociolinguistics, linguistic self-awareness.