1196 | 616 | Mapping of Multilingual Areas in Central Europe | János Jeney
Much of Central Europe is multilingual, although most countries in the area have only one official language. Very often one cannot even define a linguistic boundary, since the various linguistic entities are intimately mixed. For example, there are villages where neighbouring families speak different languages. Using different mapping methods can give different pictures of mixed areas. The extent to which the true multilingual structure of an area can be seen depends on the mapping methods used on the map If a particular map symbol represents the majority language only,the symbol must represent the smallest possible area. The symbol can represent the ratio of the linguistic groups in a given area, making it possible for one symbol to represent a multilingual area. This is particularly useful on small-scale maps. While this method does not allow the depiction of density of population, it is the best method for depicting multilingual areas on small-scale maps. Such a map will not show the number of people living in a given area which is a problem when the density of population is not homogenous since it distorts the ratio of linguistic groups between areas covered by different symbols. If the density of population is shown, the scale of the map has to be larger to allow the mixed areas to be clearly shown. When depicting the density of population, the colour of the symbol shows the linguistic group, while the size of the symbol indicates the number of inhabitants speaking a given language._x000D_
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It is clear from the above, that when choosing a mapping method, the linguistic structure and the density of population of an area must be considered. This is important, since when certain minority rights must be implemented, or when the borders of an_x000D_
autonomous province must be defined, it is important that one has a clear and_x000D_
accurate oversight of the linguistic structure of the area.
János Jeney
Institute of Hungarian Research
ID Abstract: 616