In 1974 my first study of Attic phonology was published. The aim of the work was to investigate the range and position of the innovative popular phonological system of Attic, an entity familiar to all Greek historical
linguists. This "vulgar" Attic pronunciation has generally been looked upon as used mainly or exclusively by minor groups (tradefolk, workmen, slaves, etc.), and it was also thought to have been caused by external, Boeotian or other, influence.
A revision of current methods in this field of research seemed desirable. Two demands should be met: the collection of infrequent orthographic variants ought to comprise all extant instances, and the data should be evaluated systematically. These methodological principles have been fundamental to all three studies alike.