A GIS-based approach for dialect boundary studies

For linguists, up to now drawing language boundaries has usually been problematic. This paper aims to present a way by which GIS and linguistic methodology are integrated, especially in the area of dialect geography, to help improve the quality of boundary drawing. Applied methodological flow with the exemplified application to the whole of Thailand is illustrated and discussed. Resultant maps are promising and so is the role of GIS as an essential tool for assisting linguists to better demarcate and interpret the language borders with more confidence, particularly in ambiguous areas.