Explanation
A language with extensive international circulation and functions beyond individual states or speech communities. It turns reach into infrastructure while showing how trade, education, media, and power distribute linguistic access unequally.
Example
English functions in many academic fields as an international language of publication and contact.
Counterexample
Merely mentioning “World language” without the described function is not a sufficient example.
Distinction
A lingua franca mediates between groups in particular domains; a world language additionally has global reach and institutional density.
Effect on thought and perception
It turns reach into infrastructure while showing how trade, education, media, and power distribute linguistic access unequally.
Resonance
In the atlas, World language closes 1 previously unresolved reference line(s) and opens controlled paths of thought.
Etymology
Technical core term; individual etymological review pending
Provenance
ATLAS 241 residual-case triage → profile candidate 241-C → source and neighbourhood cross-check → ATLAS 244
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „World language“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-244-028. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-244-028The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.