ethnolinguistics

American  

[eth-noh-ling-gwis-tiks] / ˌɛθ noʊ lɪŋˈgwɪs tɪks /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• ethnolinguist noun
• ethnolinguistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ethnolinguistics

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