Dialect maps and dialect research; useful tools for automatic speech recognition?

Traditional dialect maps are based on data from carefully selected informants which usually results in clear-cut dialect borders, isoglosses, with one dialect characteristic present on one side of the isogloss and absent on the other. We illustrate some of the problems and pitfalls connected with using dialect maps for ASR by comparing results from traditional dialect research with investigations of the Norwegian part of the European SpeechDat database, centred on the two main types of /r/ pronunciation. Our analysis shows that traditional dialect maps and surveys may be of limited use in ASR. To what extent the Norwegian findings have parallels in other countries will depend on two main factors, dialect allegiance vs. a national standard pronunciation and the extent to which the population is sedentary or mobile. Results from traditional dialect research may therefore be more useful in ASR of other languages than Norwegian.