Abstract
The mapping of innovations, as opposed to taxonomic features, has so far been little used in historical linguistics and dialect geography. Here I show with two examples from Peninsular North Germanic how linguistic theory may cast light on complex mosaics of geographically competing features and how dialect geography can help choose between competing reconstructions. This research builds on a database of more than 50 innovations and over 1000 municipalities in the Nordic countries coupled with mapping software (ArcGIS).
Highlights
The mapping of innovations, as opposed to taxonomic features, has so far been little used in historical linguistics and dialect geography
Dialectology has traditionally relied on maps showing the areal distributions of features. 1. Such maps provide a great deal of useful information for undertaking reconstructions in historical phonology
The data can be presented visually using mapping software such as ArcGIS in a form that can be adaptable to needs of various users
Summary
The mapping of innovations, as opposed to taxonomic features, has so far been little used in historical linguistics and dialect geography. A good example of how recoding traditional feature mosaics in terms of innovations and visually interpreting the result comes from the areal distribution of allomorphs of the definite suffix in the strong declension of feminine nouns in varieties spoken in Western and Mid-Norway.
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