Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
isogloss
Noun
/ˈaɪsəˌɡlɒs/
Definition
An isogloss is a boundary that separates different linguistic features, especially in terms of dialects within a language.
Examples
- The isogloss between the use of ‘soda’ and ‘pop’ runs through the Midwest region of the United States.
- Researchers mapped various isoglosses to illustrate how dialects change from one region to another.
Meaning
Isoglosses are used in dialectology to show the geographic distribution of words, pronunciations, or grammatical structures.
Synonyms
- dialect boundary
- linguistic boundary
