The tape-recorded interviews are very important to the WVDP for two reasons. First, we learn what language patterns are in the speech of the community from these tapes. We can then build what we know into language lessons for local schools. Sometimes we present the lessons in local schools and sometimes local teachers adopt our lessons. These language lessons are an important way for WVU to serve the state.
Second, our surveys of local speech provide us with data for our scientific research into language variation and change. We present our findings at national and international conferences to audiences with great interest in West Virginia dialects. West Virginia is a treasure trove for dialect researchers, and scholars are always interested to hear about the latest discovery.