Topic 5.2 Flashcards
Language
Comprises the system of words, their pronunciation and methods of combination used by a community of individuals. Regarded as the most important medium which culture is transmitted, in effect and organized system of speech communication
Language Family
A group of languages thought to have descended from a single common ancestral tongue
Romance lang. (variations of Latin)
German lang. (English, German, dutch)
Relocation Diffusion
Involves language spread as a result of massive population relocation. a culture is transported to and made more dominant in a new territory.
Expansion Diffusion
Occurs when the adoption of a new language occurs among native speakers of another tongue. Results in the partial or total acculturation of the adoption
Hierarchical Diffusion
Normally a form of expansion diffusion. First adopters of new language are often those holding positions of importance
Dialects
Reflect the ordinary speech of areal, social, professional, or other subdivisions of the general population
Linguistic Geography
Study of the character and spatial pattern of dialects and languages
Social Dialects
Occur in many societies denoting social class and educational level. Less education or lower status people are likely to use vernacular which is non-standard language or dialect native to the locale
Pidgin
Amalgamation of languages, usually simplified form of one with borrowings from one another
Lingua Franca
As established language used habitually for communication by people whose native tongues are mutually incomprehensible
Official Language
designated language of instruction of government of the courts, and other official public and private communication
Toponyms
Place names
Toponymy
The study of pale names, special interest of linguistic geography
Place names
Typically serve as a record of past inhabitants who originally “placed the names” on landscape features
