Superstratum Theory

Definition

Superstratum theory suggests that when two languages come into contact, particularly in a multilingual setting, one language (the superstratum) influences or dominates the other (the substratum) due to social, political, or economic power dynamics. This theory highlights how the dominant language can affect the grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics of the less dominant language, often leading to language change or even language shift.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Superstratum theory is often applied to cases of colonialism where the colonizers' language imposes changes on the indigenous languages of the colonized regions.
2. The theory helps explain phenomena such as lexical borrowing, where words from the superstratum language are adopted into the substratum language.
3. Language shift may occur when speakers of a substratum language gradually adopt the superstratum language, leading to the decline or extinction of the original language.
4. In multilingual societies, social prestige associated with the superstratum language can lead to shifts in usage patterns among speakers of both languages.
5. Examples of superstratum influence can be seen in many creole languages, which often arise from contact between a colonial language and local languages.

Review Questions

• How does superstratum theory explain the dynamics between two languages in a contact situation?
  • Superstratum theory explains that in a contact situation, one language often holds more social or political power over another. This dominant language influences the structure and vocabulary of the less dominant language. The power dynamics play a critical role in determining how much influence the superstratum has on the substratum, often resulting in significant changes in the latter over time.
• Discuss the implications of superstratum theory on understanding bilingualism and language change.
  • The implications of superstratum theory for understanding bilingualism are significant. It highlights how speakers may favor the superstratum language due to its perceived prestige and utility. Over time, this can lead to a gradual shift towards using the superstratum at the expense of the substratum language. Consequently, superstratum influence can accelerate language change, resulting in lexical borrowing and grammatical shifts that alter how both languages are spoken within a community.
• Evaluate the role of social and economic factors in determining which language becomes the superstratum in multilingual settings.
  • Social and economic factors play a pivotal role in determining which language becomes the superstratum. For instance, a language spoken by a powerful political entity or economically successful group is likely to gain influence over local languages. This influence manifests through media presence, educational systems, and official government use. The combination of these factors creates an environment where speakers may feel compelled to adopt the superstratum language for social mobility or economic opportunity, further entrenching its dominance and shaping linguistic landscapes.

Related terms

Substratum: The language that is influenced by a more dominant language in a contact situation, often undergoing changes as a result.

Pidgin: A simplified form of speech that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different languages, often incorporating elements from both languages.

Bilingualism: The ability to use two languages proficiently, which can lead to language contact scenarios where superstratum and substratum effects are observed.