The methods of Dialect Topography in the Golden Horseshoe

Dialect topography was invented by J. K. Chambers. He used this method in the Golden
Horseshoe (v. 4.3 Survey area: The Golden Horseshoe ) for the first time. “Intended as an
alternative to dialect geography” (CHAMBERS 1994:35), dialect topography contains - like
dialect geography - methods for surveying dialect variants in a region. In its basics dialect
topography accords with dialect geography. “Both provide a macro-level perspective on
linguistic variation. Both survey people in a continuous area, making it possible to identify and
isolate gross linguistic differences among speakers from region to region. They can also provide
the basis for charting linguistic change in subsequent surveys” (CHAMBERS 1994:35-36).
Although both methods are very similar, there are two important differences which will be
discussed in the following passages.
In order to investigate the influence of non-native speakers on language use in the community,
J. K. Chambers invented the Regionality Index (RI). This mechanism allows to identify and
compare the languages of different test persons. The relationship between the subjects’ link to
the region can be investigated as well as to which extent the subject talks like a local. This
method will be discussed in the second part of this study.