ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the dividing lines between dialects. Smaller varieties also cross national borders, as is the case for the dialects that are part of the South Slavic dialect continuum, which runs through Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia. Dialects constitute fully fledged linguistic systems. The reason to use the word 'dialect' rather than 'language' is to distinguish it from the codified language norm. Borders between dialects can be drawn on the basis of several criteria. Dialects are most often distinguished on the basis of linguistic characteristics. Researchers may try to employ objective criteria to draw lines between dialects, but dialect speakers may disagree with these borders, based on their perception of and attitudes towards dialects and their boundaries. Political and local government borders affect mobility and can thus shape dialect areas. The distribution of religion may divide or connect speakers of dialects, as people often have more contact with likeminded people.
