Study of Shetland sounds

Swedish researchers investigate the sound of Shetland

This hairst, a team of researchers from Sweden has begun a three-year study into the sound system of Shetland dialect. Peter Sundkvist, Assistant Professor of English Linguistics at Dalarna University, is presently conducting audio recording sessions in various parts of the islands, in order to study accent and pronunciation. Peter is no stranger to Shetland, having done his PhD work and other projects in the isles.

The research team includes Gunnel Melchers, Professor Emerita of English at Stockholm University. Gunnel has been a scholar of Shetland dialect for over 30 years, has published extensively on the subject, and is well-known in Shetland.