JB-UK Isoglosses (IMAGE) University of Portsmouth Caption Each black line is an 'isogloss' generated by Burridge's model. An isogloss is a line which separates regions where one pronunciation dominates from a region where another dominates (an example pronunciation could be how people pronounce the 'a' in bath). If a traveller travelled over a zone where many isoglosses had bundled together (such as the 'North-south' bundle that connects the Bristol Channel to The Wash shown here) they would experience a sharp/noticeable transition between dialect. Whereas when the lines are more spread out, or messy, the traveller might hear more of a gradual dialect change. The darker orange colours represent higher population density. In the right hand plot people have greater mobility - they regularly travel 10km or more around their home. In the left hand plot they only travel about 5km. Credit James Burridge, University of Portsmouth Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.