Explanation
The encounter of languages or varieties from which exchange and change emerge. It renders linguistic boundaries as permeable contact zones.
Example
Sustained contact carries words and sentence patterns across languages.
Counterexample
Merely mentioning “Language contact” without the described function is not a sufficient example.
Distinction
Do not equate it with a narrower subtype or a merely adjacent concept; the defining function is decisive.
Effect on thought and perception
It renders linguistic boundaries as permeable contact zones.
Resonance
In the atlas, Language contact forms a node joined by 5 previously unresolved reference lines.
Etymology
Technical core term; individual etymological review pending
Provenance
Unresolved relation network → core-concept review → Metzler/HWRh cross-check → ATLAS 238
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Language contact“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-238-007. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-238-007The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.