Superstratums refers to the plural form of the noun "superstratum," derived from the Latin word "super," meaning "above," and "stratum," meaning "layer." In linguistics, superstratums represent the languages or dialects that exert influence on another language due to conquest, colonization, or language contact. This term is frequently used in the study of language change and language shift.
A superstratum language typically arises when one group of people dominates another geographically, politically, or socially. As a result, the language spoken by the dominant group exerts influence on the language of the subordinate group. This influence may manifest in various aspects of the subordinate language, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions.
Superstratums are commonly observed in cases of colonization, where the colonizers impose their language on the colonized population. For instance, during the period of British colonization, English became the superstratum language in many colonies, such as India or Nigeria, greatly influencing local languages.
Understanding the superstratums in language change is essential in tracing the historical development of languages and analyzing their contact-induced variations. By examining these linguistic influences, linguists can gain valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical interactions between different groups of people.
In summary, superstratums refer to the languages or dialects that exert influence on another language due to domination, colonization, or language contact. These influences can be observed in various linguistic aspects, representing an important factor in understanding language change and evolution.
