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Glite Dictionary
linguistic atlas

linguistic atlas

7.2
A map or book of maps showing where local ways of speaking and words are used
  • noun
  • /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk ˈætləs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : atlas lingüístico
  • Creating a linguistic atlas requires extensive fieldwork and interviews with local speakers to document their unique dialects.

Examples

  • Scholars used the linguistic atlas to compare variations in word usage across Europe.

  • The linguistic atlas provides an overview of regional dialects throughout the country.

  • Creating a linguistic atlas requires extensive fieldwork and data collection from local speakers.

  • The linguistic atlas provides insights into regional dialects.

  • Have you seen the new linguistic atlas published by the university?

  • The linguistic atlas illustrates how dialects differ from one region to another, providing insights into language variation.

  • Researchers consulted the linguistic atlas to analyze the geographical distribution of specific language usages across various communities.

Synonyms

dialect atlas
vslinguistic atlas
  • Specialized
8.5

A collection of maps showing where different words and pronunciations are used

is broader, covering many linguistic features and usages beyond regional varieties

How Detailed

dialect atlas
  • Specialized
8.5
linguistic atlas
  • Specialized
7.2
map
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

linguistic atlas singular
linguistic atlases plural

Morphology

linguistic + atlas

The meaning is directly and transparently built from 'linguistic' (pertaining to language) modifying 'atlas' (a book of maps), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is an atlas showing language-related maps or distributions. This adjective + noun composition is cross-linguistically common and follows normal English compounding, making the sense immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Linguistic atlas combines linguistic ('about language') and atlas ('a book of maps'): imagine maps that show language features instead of roads. This is why a linguistic atlas shows where certain words or 'dialects' are used across different places.