Stratum (linguistics) facts for kids

A stratum (say "STRAH-tum") in linguistics is a way to talk about how languages affect each other. Imagine two languages meeting. One might change the other, or both might change each other. When this happens, we call the languages involved "strata" (the plural of stratum). It's like layers of paint, where one layer affects the one below or above it.

What Happens When Languages Meet?

When people who speak different languages come into contact, their languages often start to mix and change. This can happen for many reasons, like trade, migration, or even conquest. Linguists, who are scientists who study language, use special terms to describe these changes:

Superstratum: The Influencing Language

A superstratum (say "SOO-per-strah-tum") is the language that has a big influence on another language. Think of it as the "top" layer. This often happens when a group of people with a powerful language, like conquerors or rulers, moves into an area. Their language then changes the local language.

For example, after the Normans conquered England in 1066, they spoke a kind of French. This French became a superstratum, adding many new words and ideas to the Old English language that people already spoke. That's why English has so many words that come from French!

Substratum: The Influenced Language

A substratum (say "SUB-strah-tum") is the language that gets changed by another language. It's like the "bottom" layer. Even though the superstratum language might be powerful, the substratum language can still leave its mark.

For instance, when the Norman French influenced English, the original Old English was the substratum. While English adopted many French words, it kept its basic grammar and many everyday words from Old English. Sometimes, a substratum language might even disappear, but it can still influence the new language that takes its place, especially in things like place names or certain sounds.

Adstratum: Languages Influencing Each Other

An adstratum (say "AD-strah-tum") happens when two languages influence each other at the same time, without one being clearly "on top" or "underneath." It's more like a friendly exchange. This often happens between neighboring countries or groups who trade a lot.

A good example is the relationship between English and many other European languages today. English has borrowed words from German, Spanish, and Italian, and those languages have also borrowed words from English. They are all influencing each other, sharing words and phrases, without one completely taking over the other.

Why Do Languages Change?

Languages are always changing because people are always moving, meeting new people, and inventing new things. Here are some common reasons why languages interact and change:

• Migration: When people move to a new place, they bring their language with them.
• Trade: When different groups trade goods, they also exchange words for those goods.
• Conquest: When one group conquers another, the language of the conquerors often becomes dominant.
• Cultural Exchange: Ideas, music, and art can spread between cultures, bringing new words with them.

Understanding strata helps us see how languages have grown and changed over hundreds or even thousands of years, creating the rich variety of languages we have today!