Language

A language is a communication system used by a particular community or country consisting of spoken, written, or signed words and the rules for combining them.

Languages are fundamental to human interaction and are the primary means of sharing information, emotions, and cultural heritage. They are dynamic and evolve over time, influenced by social, cultural, and technological changes.

Some of the main elements of languages are:

  • Phonetics and Phonology: The sounds and sound systems of a language.
  • Morphology: The structure and formation of words.
  • Syntax: The arrangement of words to form sentences.
  • Semantics and Pragmatics: The meanings of words and sentences and their use in context.

Within a language, there can be multiple variations, including:

  • Locale: A specific geographic or political region where a particular language or dialect is spoken. Locales are also used in the software world to adapt applications to different languages and regions. Find out more about the term locale or see an example of a locale list here.
  • Dialect: Variations of a language spoken in different regions or by different social groups. Read more about the term here.

Languages can also have various registers and styles, influenced by the context in which they are used, such as formal, informal, technical, or colloquial language.

For more detailed information about languages, locales, dialects, and much more, visit our Hub.

Related terms

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