ethnolinguistics

[eth-noh-ling-gwis-tiks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the study of language as an aspect or part of culture, especially the study of the influence of language on culture and of culture on language.

Other Word Forms

• ethnolinguist noun
• ethnolinguistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnolinguistics¹

First recorded in 1945–50; ethno- + linguistics

Example Sentences

Ethnolinguistics can seem like a natural extension: The last vestiges of some minority languages are preserved as song, and a musical ear can be an advantage in studying the kind of tonal languages prevalent in parts of Asia.

From New York Times