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isogloss

isogloss

1 9.9
A line on a map that shows where people speak differently
  • noun
  • /ˈaɪzəˌɡlɔs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : isoglosa
  • On the isoglosses between different Saami varieties, Korhonen stressed that there is not one more important Saami isogloss that actually coincides with any administrative border.

Examples

  • An isogloss can be shown on a map to illustrate the boundary between regions that use different dialects.

  • When place names indicate a linguistic border, an isogloss, you may go looking for geographic proof in nature, for instance, mounds of stones, often built in pyramid shape to show that they were made by a human.

    Blog text (18)
  • On the isoglosses between different Saami varieties, Korhonen stressed that there is not one more important Saami isogloss that actually coincides with any administrative border.

    Blog text (18)
  • Linguists often study an isogloss to understand how language varies across geographical areas.

  • During the research, we discovered an isogloss that separated two communities with distinct vocabulary.

Synonyms

isophone
vsisogloss
  • Specialized
9.9

A line on a map that shows where people pronounce sounds differently

is broader, marking boundaries for many linguistic features beyond pronunciation
isolex
vsisogloss
  • Specialized
9.9

An area where a specific word is used

is broader, marking boundaries for pronunciation, syntax, and other features

Surface Forms

isogloss singular
isoglosses plural

Morphology

isogloss = gloss (semi-transparent) = iso + gloss

The prefix 'iso-' means 'equal' and 'gloss' refers to language or speech, but the specific meaning of a boundary line is specialized.

Etymology

Isogloss comes from iso- meaning 'same' and gloss from glossa meaning 'tongue' or 'language', like the glossary. So an isogloss is a line on a map that shows where the same language feature stops and a different one starts.