This contact zone is characterized by numerous transitions and continuities. Gascon and Catalan form a transition between Ibero- and Gallo-Romance; Francoprovençal functions as a mediator between northern and southern Gallo-Romance; and the three dialect groups of Raeto-Romance constitute the transitional area between Gallo-Romance and Italo-Romance, especially the northern Italian dialects which are best grouped under the label 'Gallo-Italic'.