Have you ever wondered exactly where languages are spoken? And have you ever looked at a map and wondered who had the patience to collect all the data and organise it into an accessible visual representation of a geographical space? Maybe you live in a cosmopolitan city and hear lots of languages spoken around you and these have piqued your interest. Maybe the city you live in is predominately monolingual, that you know of, and you would like to know more about the different languages that could potentially exist around you.
Enter language mapping and the different types of language maps that exist today. The tradition of language mapping dates back to the eighteenth century, when geographers became interested in depicting the precise study of a physical space in a two dimensional, visual format. After Edmond Halley created a map of the earth’s magnetic currents (also known as an isogonic map), in order to better navigate the seas in 1701, the use of maps for practical purposes became more common. Soon after, human spatial phenomena such as social demographics became relevant to cartographers, and thematic maps came into being. As a result maps began to be used to depict many aspects of human life including language. Other examples of thematic maps focusing on specific topics such as ‘happiness’ or ‘food’ include the Happy Planet Index and Food Service Warehouse’s map of food consumption and production.
Initially, linguistic maps were created by geographers who were interested in demonstrating the distribution of languages. Early cartographers such as Sebastian Münster would use geographical landmarks to refer to areas where languages were spoken e.g. “between River X and Mountain Range Y, you will find that language Z is spoken as a common language between groups A, B and C”. This is a method that would have been used by early explorers with little linguistic training to describe the terrain and its inhabitants. Other geographers such as Gottfried Hensel (1741) used maps to depict linguistic variation across different regions. Hensel was one of the first to produce maps of linguistic variation based on his studies; in his maps, he depicted the different realisations of the Lord’s Prayer around Europe.
Right now you might be thinking, “Wait, I thought we were talking about language maps? How does linguistic variation tie in?” Well, through the act of conversing with people on a daily basis, many of you will have noticed slight differences in the language used by the different people you speak with. You might notice words pronounced differently, or that some like to swear more than others. You might notice that some people tend to use words or expressions like “innit”, “d’you what I mean”, “like” or “ya know” before, in the middle, or at the end of every phrase. Maybe you have even noticed that your grandparents have a different way of pronouncing certain words compared to you or your parents, which is not related to the fact that they may or may not be missing some teeth! You might also notice people using different words to refer to the same thing e.g. hair tie, hair bobble, hair thingy. If you have noticed these small differences in human speech, your inner linguist has been keeping track of linguistic variation.
So what is linguistic variation in linguistic terms? Firstly, language variation is a phenomenon often studied—though not exclusively—within the field of sociolinguistics. It is measured by looking at the difference between pronunciation, vocabulary and in some instances, grammatical structure. Similarly, dialectal variation is a type of language variation. Dialectal variation however focuses on how the collective language of a group of people varies from other groups within the umbrella of what is perceived as a common “language”. Most often, dialectal differences are found between distinct geographical areas or between different social groups. Think of the broad differences between New York English, London English and Singaporean English for example. Large geographical and socio-economical distances between several groups of people that speak the same language means little interaction between these groups. This in turn means that the language of each of these groups will change, grow and expand independent of the changes that take place within the other groups.
Eventually, dialects form as the pronunciation of certain words changes, and new words are adopted. Grammatical structures may be altered slightly initially such as the dropping of ‘are’ in “Where are you at?”, but over time as these changes and differences become more pronounced, we may realise that the three groups can now be said to speak different languages. Is there a definitive cut-off point over the course of the life of a dialect when it can be said to become a language? No. The case of France for example, which has 25 different languages of Germanic, Celtic and Gallo-Romance origin. Out of all of France’s languages, French is the only officially recognised language despite the fact that many of the languages within the political border are not mutually intelligible with each other. Though this is now changing, until recent years the languages of France were seen as dialects and not languages in their own right. This same concept applies to the languages of many countries around the world.
So some languages are dialects and other dialects are languages. It is also clear that languages are not necessarily restricted to political borders. With this in mind, how can we accurately map the spread of language on a global scale while being sensitive to socio-political issues? With modern technological and media advances, present-day language maps are very different from those that were first created. Even as little as 10 years ago, an accurate map would have relied on researchers carrying out surveys of geographical areas and charting the results on a map. These results would have either been illustrated as “polygons” or blocks of distinct colours on a map representing where larger languages are spoken such as those used by Langscape, or by ”pinning” languages to the map according to groups of speakers, much like the method that has been used by the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger.
Today with comparatively easy access to computers and geo-tagging software, almost anyone with an internet connection and a mobile device or computer can make their own contribution to interactive language maps such as Language Landscape or the Potato Map. The great thing about these kinds of maps is that they can be much more accurate in demonstrating the spread and location of languages and they can better showcase the interaction between different languages within a specific area. Some of these maps are particularly useful for groups of speakers who wish to tag their own highly specific dialect. Using such a map, a New Yorker from Queens for example would be able to upload a recording of their spoken language and tag it as ‘English, Queens New York’.
Global Language Maps
This is precisely the idea behind Language Landscape, a global and interactive, web-based map which aims to accurately represent where languages are actually spoken around the world without the restriction of political borders. A non-profit organisation run by post-graduate linguists who first came together with the common aim of creating a platform to represent endangered, minority, and dominant languages on a single level, Language Landscape has three interrelated goals: to raise awareness of language issues, to provide a platform for speakers of minority and endangered languages and to experiment with new methods of language mapping. The website is populated by encouraging people to create an account and upload samples of language use. These can include samples of spoken or signed interaction, as well as photographs of linguistic landscapes. Some examples include the use of language and scripts on road signs, shop signs, graffiti and so on. While Language Landscape is not a digital archive, it offers its users the tools with which to present their languages and cultures to a public audience, while being conscious of the fact that some users, particularly those from endangered and minority language groups, may wish to restrict the material shared based on own cultural taboos, gender or age restrictions.
A different kind of global map which moves away from the human social side of language and uses computer algorithms tracing actual internet usage to create a map of words and their translations is Word Map. For those who want a visual representation and translations of one word into 90 of the world’s languages, Word Map is a fun option. By combining the forces of Google Translate with Wikipedia, the Easyway Language Centre have created a project “to put into context the relationship between language and geographical space”.
With this map, users type in any word in any of Google Translate’s supported languages (view full list here) in order to create a visual trace of world’s languages. After the search finishes loading, a translation of the original word appears within the political borders of each country. The programme also supports different scripts. I must warn you however that this map is very simplistic and does not represent the complexities of the relationships between the world’s languages. Minority and indigenous languages are not represented and it does not at all take into consideration the multilingual context of many countries. Only one language per country is shown. It is also imperialistic and Eurocentric in nature as a large majority of words seem to stem from European countries, but then again, it is based on Google Translate’s algorithm of public searches.
Dialectal Maps
A map which looks at a very specific example of dialectal variation at a global level is the Potato Map by David Crystal and Ben Crystal. It is a simple but fun map which looks at the distribution of language variation based on the pronunciation of the word ‘potato’. Though this map originally started with recordings from the United Kingdom, it has expanded greatly and now holds recordings from all over world. The aim of this map was to showcase how people from different parts of the world say the word ‘potato’ in English, and it successfully achieves this by allowing all those who visit this map to make a recording of themselves saying, “This is how I say potato”. Some examples of how pronunciations of the word potato may differ include ‘puteira’ (USA), ‘poteito’ (UK) and ‘photeiro’ (Malaysia). In terms of vocabulary, the word itself might also change as can be seen in the following: ‘spud’ (Ireland), ‘tatties’ (Scotland) and ‘taters’ (USA). This simple recording is then placed on the map according to where the speaker is from. Visitors of the map can thus interact first-hand with linguistic data and explore the dialectal variation of the word ‘potato’. Although this map originally started with recordings from the United Kingdom, it has expanded greatly and now contains recordings from all over world. A more contained example of dialectal variation at a regional level is Joshua Katz’ map of ‘Regional Variation in Continental US‘.
City Maps
Here we move on from the regional map to the more specific city map of languages. Touching on the point that was mentioned at the very beginning, what if you’re interested in finding out exactly where languages are spoken in your city? A map which aims to do exactly this in the city of London is Tube Tongues an exploration of London’s languages according to stops on the underground system. It is a very detailed project that is part of the London Tube’s data map which offers an insight into London’s linguistic demographics. Statistics on the second, third, and even twelfth most used language in vicinity of each stop can be seen by clicking on each of the tube stops. Another nice little city map is Twitter NYC. This is a map which displays the languages which have been used to tweet within social media. The data is projected on to a darkened satellite image of the city from above, and each language is assigned a different colour. By projecting the data in this way, the city seems to come alive in a rainbow of colours. Wouldn’t it be great if there were more of these maps?
As you can see there are many different kinds of maps out there using a variety of techniques to collect data. Mapping techniques have come a long way since language maps were first created and I am sure they will continue to develop as new technologies emerge. Because of the fluidity and constant social and political changes taking place within and around languages, there is no entirely accurate map which depicts actual language use and movement of every corner of the world. The science behind Language mapping however is striving to become more precise by exploring the different issues involved and incorporating new technologies. So what if you still want to find out what languages are spoken in a small town in X country? You can visit Language Landscape and find out. You might find the results surprising. If you find that the town, city, or country you’re interested in doesn’t have that many recordings, consider adding your own!
_____
For an in-depth guide to navigating the Language Landscape website, check out Ebany Dohle’s post on Dialogue!
62 Responses to “Language Mapping”
OKBET
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. Thank you for sharing great information to us.
online slots tips
Depastakeely
This is the most fun I’ve had with a small world cup soccer game in years! Controlling only one ragdoll player will make for some chaotic and unpredictable matches. My friends and I haven’t laughed this hard in weeks!
Jones elizebeth
Waow this is quite pleasant article, my sister love to read such type of post, I am going to tell her and bookmarking this webpage. Thanks metal tile backsplash
SMM Bear
Great post! Your insights on sustainable living are eye-opening. The practical tips you shared make it easy for anyone to adopt eco-friendly habits. Thank you for inspiring positive change! Cheapest smm panel india
John Muller
Excellent post to look in. Language mapping is the visualization of linguistic and language-related data in geographic space. Your website and this article will improve your knowledge. One of the most exciting topics to consider is the Home Depot customer satisfaction survey. Enter the Home Depot Survey contest & share your precise opinions at the official survey portal honestly & get a chance to win rewards. Thank You; regards.
Www.HomeDepot.Com Survey
Welcome to the survey on Home Depot Survey Do you shop at Home Depot frequently? If so, Home Depot is interested in knowing your thoughts and suggestions.
Lowes Survey
Language mapping is the perception of phonetic and language-related information in geographic space. Your site and this article will work on your insight. It is a great post to search for. Recently, I found one topic quite interesting: Lowe’s Survey Sweepstakes. If you live in the United States, then it will help you win a $500 check. Take the Lowe’s survey official. Please share your thoughts on your recent store visit; Lowes is waiting for your honest feedback. Thank you.
Login Tips
I liked your post very much. Thanks for sharing or health realted information please visit – Login Tips
Activate.llbeanmastercard.com
Activate.llbeanmastercard.com
This card has gained a reputation as the best public assistance provider because it does not impose annual fees on its users while providing them with advantages.
JoinPD
Students can join a lesson for the available study materials by going to JoinPD.com and entering the code. Thus, students can use any helpful gadget to participate in Pear Deck Sessions and accomplish all of the interactive tasks!
MyKFCExperience
MyKFCExperience Survey – With more than 20,000 locations worldwide, Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, is one of the biggest fast-food restaurant chains in the world. You may learn how to participate in the MyKFCExperience Survey by reading this in-depth article.
Henry Larry
I never realized the complexity involved in mapping languages until reading this. It is inspiring to see initiatives like Language Landscape and the Potato Map bridging the gap between global understanding and regional dialects.
Residential Plumbing Services in Orangevale CA
Home Depot Survey
Nearly all American homeowners are familiar with The Home Depot. We only buy products from our reliable brand when we run out of something we use on a daily basis. Ron Brill, Patricia Farrah, Arthur Blank, and Bruno Marcus were among them. Home Depot Survey
wwwhomdepotcomsurvey.cfd
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. wwwhomdepotcomsurvey.cfd
Home Depot Weekly Ad
Shoppers at Home Depot Weekly Ad, visit this page every week to see the most recent ✳️ weekly advertisement or to see a sneak peek of some upcoming bargains with the Home Depot ad preview.
Ad images are solely for informational and illustrative purposes. Dates, goods, and prices can change and aren’t available at every shop. For precise information about prices, items, dates, and discounts, please visit your local merchant. Trademarks and logos belong to the people that own them.
Sarim Shaikh
Your post has those facts which are not accessible from anywhere else. It’s my humble request to u please keep writing such remarkable articles weeklyfanz
Ninja Digital
Your writing has a unique ability to engage readers while also conveying valuable knowledge. digital marketing company in gwaliorr
zafar
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! stenogramy
ALI
I am thankful to you for sharing this plethora of useful information. I found this resource utmost beneficial for me. Thanks a lot for hard work. Syair Cambodia
zafar
The article looks magnificent, but it would be beneficial if you can share more about the suchlike subjects in the future. Keep posting. #deliveranceministry
zafar
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also caluanie muelear oxidize manufacturer in usa
Syair Cambodia
What a sensational blog! This blog is too much amazing in all aspects. Especially, it looks awesome and the content available on it is utmost qualitative.#deliveranceministry
Syair Cambodia
Your article has piqued a lot of positive interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. best australian online casino
Syair Cambodia
You have beaten yourself this time, and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts in future. Thank you for sharing great information to us. fyp805 alternatif
Syair Cambodia
Great article Lot’s of information to Read…Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for sharing us. 축구중계
Syair Cambodia
I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. 해외축구중계
Syair Cambodia
I went to this website, and I believe that you have a plenty of excellent information, I have saved your site to my bookmarks. maniaslot
Syair Cambodia
What a thrilling post, you have pointed out some excellent points, I as well believe this is a superb website. I have planned to visit it again and again. 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
I know this is one of the most meaningful information for me. And I’m animated reading your article. But should remark on some general things, the website style is perfect; the articles are great. Thanks for the ton of tangible and attainable help. Braintree MA
Syair Cambodia
Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. mejores eventos en madrid hoy
Syair Cambodia
Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. 산지앙 가라오케
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family. betflik888
Syair Cambodia
I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. situs agen togel
Syair Cambodia
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. machine gold detector
Syair Cambodia
RumahBola merupakan Agen Judi Bola Mix parlay dan Situs Slot online terpercaya dengan Menyediakan pasaran bola terlengkap di indonesia Situs bola parlay
Syair Cambodia
I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed… rajabandot slot
Syair Cambodia
That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. csbola
Name*
RumahBola merupakan Agen Judi Bola Mix parlay dan Situs Slot online terpercaya dengan Menyediakan pasaran bola terlengkap di indonesia Situs bola parlay
Syair Cambodia
RumahBola merupakan Agen Judi Bola Mix parlay dan Situs Slot online terpercaya dengan Menyediakan pasaran bola terlengkap di indonesia Situs bola parlay
Syair Cambodia
Thank you for some other informative blog. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal means? I have a mission that I’m just now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information. more info
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. xnxx
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. یاراپلاس تلگرام
bong88.wtf
bong88.wtf là một nền tảng cá cược trực tuyến hàng đầu, chuyên cung cấp các dịch vụ cá cược thể thao, đặc biệt là bóng đá, cùng với các hình thức giải trí như casino, xổ số, và các trò chơi trực tuyến. Với giao diện thân thiện và dễ sử dụng, Bong88 wtf đã trở thành một trong những lựa chọn phổ biến của người chơi trên khắp châu Á.
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. hentai
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. ดูอนิเมะ
SMM World
Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive guide! I appreciate all the insights and advice you’ve shared. follower panel
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. ดูหนัง
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. ดูหนังออนไลน์ hd
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. ดูหนังออนไลน์ 2024
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Takata airbag lawyer
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. anime
Indilens Web Solutions
Ấu dâm trẻ em Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. anime-haru
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. souvenir gift manufacture bali
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. best bali
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. MAHADEWI 77
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. mcw casino
Take My TEAS Exam For Me
We provide support for those looking for ‘Take my GED for me’ or ‘Take my TEAS exam’ solutions. Need help with your GED or TEAS exam? We offer services so you can pay someone to take your GED or TEAS exam, hire someone for exam assistance and solutions.
Take My TEAS Exam For Me
Dissertation Writing Services
Are you looking for who will ‘Write My Dissertation For Me?’ We provide support for those looking for ‘Dissertation Writing Services’ or ‘Dissertation Help’. We offer services so you can ‘Pay Someone To Do Your Dissertation’.
Dissertation Writing Services
SEO Expert Stockholm
Seeking a reliable SEO company in Stockholm for SEO optimization, online marketing, website design, Google Ads management, Social Media, USA, UK, Australia, UAE.
SEO Expert Stockholm