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the linguistic influence of a less prestigious language on a dominant language in contact, resulting in the adoption or transfer of phonological, morphological, syntactic, or lexical features
What is a "substratum"?
In linguistics, a substratum refers to the influence of a language that is no longer spoken but has left its mark on a later language due to contact between speakers. This often occurs when a group of speakers shifts to a new dominant language while retaining certain features from their original language. The substratum can affect various aspects of the new language, such as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, or syntax. For example, when English developed in areas where Celtic languages were spoken, some Celtic features persisted in English as substratum influences. Analyzing substratum helps linguists understand language evolution and the impact of historical interactions between language communities.
any stratum or layer lying underneath another
a base or surface that provides support for an organism to grow or attach
