ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-RES6B-0015 · ATLAS 251

Semantic loan

A new meaning assigned to an existing word under the influence of an expression in another language.

Explanation

A new meaning assigned to an existing word under the influence of an expression in another language. Shows language contact not as importing a word form but as shifting the semantic space of a familiar word.

Example

German realisieren meaning to become aware follows English realise.

Counterexample

A plain factual statement without the named movement of thought.

Distinction

Unlike a loanword, a semantic loan retains the native form and borrows an additional meaning.

Effect on thought and perception

Shows language contact not as importing a word form but as shifting the semantic space of a familiar word.

Resonance

Shows language contact not as importing a word form but as shifting the semantic space of a familiar word.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Semantic loan“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-RES6B-0015. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-RES6B-0015

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-RES6B-0015

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