Defining dialect regions with interpretations: Advancing the multidimensional scaling approach

Methodologically, we have switched from looking at raw data to examining interpretative maps based on recognized dialect distinctions. Further, we have categorized these interpretations as phonetic (regular and irregular), morphophonemic, morphological, and lexical, examining each category separately. The result is a much clearer set of dialect distinctions, as seen in the MDS pictures. However, the dialect distinctions vary by category, leading us to make suggestions about the role of each category in defining the notion of dialect.