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Substrate language
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底层语言, 底层语
a language that has lower prestige or social power in a contact situation and influences another language with which it comes into contact, leaving a significant impact on its linguistic features, vocabulary, and structure
What is a "substrate language"?
A substrate language is a language that influences another language that replaces it, typically after a community of speakers shifts to the new language. This influence can occur in areas such as vocabulary, phonetics, grammar, or syntax. Substrate languages often contribute features to the new language, especially in regions where speakers of the substrate language continue to interact with the new language's speakers. For example, in areas where Celtic languages were spoken, some Celtic features can be seen in the English language. Understanding substrate languages helps linguists study language change and the impact of cultural contact.
