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Glite Dictionary
dialect atlas

dialect atlas

8.5
A collection of maps showing where different words and pronunciations are used
  • noun
  • /ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt ˈætləs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : atlas dialectal
  • The dialect atlas revealed striking differences in pronunciation across regions.

Examples

  • Researchers used a dialect atlas to compare vocabulary usage in rural areas.

  • A comprehensive dialect atlas can provide insights into the linguistic diversity within a country.

  • A dialect atlas is an important resource for studying language change over time.

  • The dialect atlas shows how language varies across regions.

  • Can you help me find a dialect atlas for English?

  • Linguists often refer to a dialect atlas to understand regional variations in speech patterns.

  • The university library has several dialect atlases that map the dialects spoken in different parts of the world.

Synonyms

linguistic atlas
vsdialect atlas
  • Specialized
7.2

A map or book of maps showing where local ways of speaking and words are used

focuses on distribution of dialects within a language rather than broader language features

How Detailed

dialect atlas
  • Specialized
8.5
map
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

dialect atlas singular
dialect atlases plural

Morphology

dialect + atlas

The meaning is directly and transparently derivable from the constituents: 'dialect' (regional language variety) + 'atlas' (a book of maps) yields a book of maps showing dialect distribution. This compositional pattern is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words should understand the MWE.

Etymology

Dialect atlas combines dialect (a local way of speaking) and atlas (a book of maps). Imagine a map coloured to show where people say words differently; that's the picture behind the name, and that's why it means 'a book of maps that shows where different dialects are spoken'.