superstratum language
Quick Summary
A superstratum language refers to the language of a dominant group that influences or is imposed upon a subordinate group's language. This often occurs during conquests or periods of significant cultural dominance, where the language of the ruling class or conquerors leaves a lasting impact on the vernacular of the subjugated population.12
For example, the Norman Conquest led to a substantial influx of French words into the English language, creating many synonymous pairs like "begin" and "commence". Similarly, Latin superseded Celtic languages in the Iberian Peninsula and Gaul due to its association with commerce, civilization, and prestige, rather than through population replacement. This linguistic influence is a key aspect of how languages evolve and diversify over time.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
