Sorani Sub Dialect

Phonological Atlas of the District of Koya

Hemn Abdulhameed Shams

A phonological atlas is a type of linguistic atlas that specializes in recording the rules, phonetic phenomena, and phonological changes in a particular language or dialect, in order to clarify phonetic changes within a specific geographical area. A field study in Applied Linguistics. This study explores the phonological features of the Central Kurdish dialect (Sorani) in the Koya region. Divided into three chapters, the first provides the theoretical background—covering geo linguistics, linguistic atlases, and related fields—while the second deals with the methodological of the research, the study population, and the research methodology. The third chapter details the fieldwork, including maps of 17 selected phonological variables. The goal was to contribute to a broader linguistic atlas of Kurdish by documenting the Koya local accent. Using a synchronic, descriptive approach, data were gathered from 136 communities—covering the district center, five sub-districts, and 130 villages. Each of the 17 variables was mapped to show phonetic variation across the region. The researcher, a native of Koya, conducted face-to-face interviews with informants—residents over 35 with varying education levels, selected for their limited exposure to other dialects. A prepared visual list of variables guided pronunciation recordings. The data were then analyzed using SPSS software and the results were visually represented on maps using various shades to illustrate regional differences. This study highlights the rich linguistic diversity of the Koya area and offers a foundation for further geo linguistic research in the Kurdish-speaking world.