How Do You Spell AUSBAU LANGUAGE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːsba͡ʊ lˈaŋɡwɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The term "ausbau language" is commonly used in sociolinguistics to refer to a language that has been developed and standardized for official or literary purposes. The correct pronunciation of this term is /aʊsˈbaʊ/, with the first syllable pronounced like "ow" and the second syllable pronounced like "bow." The spelling of "ausbau" reflects its German origin, where it is used to denote a language that has been "built up" or developed. This term is useful for understanding how languages are shaped by social and cultural forces, and how they come to be defined as standard or non-standard varieties.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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AUSBAU LANGUAGE Meaning and Definition

  1. An "ausbau language" is a term used in sociolinguistics to describe a language that has undergone a process of standardization and codification to become an official or prestigious language. The term "ausbau" is derived from German and means "expansion" or "development." An ausbau language represents the official norm of a language and is used for formal contexts, such as education, law, government, and media.

    Unlike "abstand languages" which are defined strictly by their linguistic differences, ausbau languages are defined by their sociolinguistic status. They are commonly considered to be standard varieties of a language that have been elevated and institutionalized. These languages typically have a standardized grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and they may have specific language academies responsible for regulating usage.

    The main purpose of developing an ausbau language is to act as a unifying force within a diverse linguistic community. It helps to establish a common language that can be understood and used by speakers from different regions or dialects. Additionally, ausbau languages often serve as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage.

    It is important to note that the process of creating an ausbau language does not imply that other regional or dialectal variations are considered inferior or less valid. Rather, it emphasizes the need for a standardized variety that can facilitate communication and understanding among speakers.

Etymology of AUSBAU LANGUAGE

The term "ausbau language" comes from German. "Ausbau" means "development" or "expansion" and "language" remains the same in both German and English. In linguistics, an "ausbau language" refers to a standardized or standardizing version of a language that is used for official purposes, education, literature, media, and other formal contexts. The concept was introduced by the German linguist, Heinz Kloss, in the 1950s.