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Synopsis This geographical atlas constitutes the first systematic presentation of the spatial and quantitative characteristics of the distribution of languages in the seven countries of South Asia Utilizing a semiographic analysis and combining and comparing language data from various national censuses covering a forty year period this atlas enables readers to actually see the geographical location, extension and linguistic affinities of any of the numerous languages spoken in South Asia.

The atlas is divided into two parts.  In the first part Professor Breton introduces the reader to the general relationship between language and the complex ethno-cultural structure of the sub-continent and raises interesting consideration on language as a component of cultural identity.  He stresses both the importance of and difficulties in analyzing the validity of South Asian language groups.