language-shift

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Language shift' is when a group of people start to use a different language more often until it replaces their original language. It's like gradually changing the language setting on your phone from English to Spanish until you only use Spanish.

Examples in Different Contexts

In sociolinguistics, 'language shift' refers to the process by which a community moves from using one language to another, often due to social or economic pressures. A sociolinguist might say, 'The language shift in the region was accelerated by the adoption of the dominant country's language in schools.'

Practice Scenarios

Public-Policy

Scenario:

Government's language policies are always a sensitive issue. They can induce profound changes in the linguistic landscape of a society.

Response:

Couldn't agree more. Wrong language policies could even accelerate the language shift, causing some languages to disappear faster.

Academics

Scenario:

The assimilation process in the immigrant community over generations is fascinating. Their language usage morphs according to the dominant culture.

Response:

That's true. Observing the language shift among immigrants over generations provides insights into cultural integration processes.