Spatial Variation

Cambridge University Press eBooks, pp. 156–188

Abstract

The chapter looks at the effect of natural barriers on linguistic configuration and diffusion through illustrations of cases from Arabic and other languages. It provides examples of how different types of topographical features either facilitate or hinder communication, thus affecting the diffusion of linguistic features. It also provides a thorough introduction to the Arabic linguistic atlases available, from 1915 into the twenty-first century. The chapter highlights cases of language isolation and language contact involving Arabic.

Authors 4

1. Enam Al‐Wer

   University of Essex

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Essex

2. Uri Horesh

   Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales, Paris

3. Bruno Herin Aachen

   Leiden University · Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales, Paris

   Universiteit Leiden

4. Rudolf De Jong Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Universiteit Leiden