Advertisement
Advertisement
diglossia
[ dahy-glos-ee-uh, -glaw-see-uh ]
noun
- the widespread existence within a society of sharply divergent formal and informal varieties of a language each used in different social contexts or for performing different functions, as the existence of Katharevusa and Demotic in modern Greece.
- Pathology. the presence of two tongues or of a single tongue divided into two parts by a cleft.
diglossia
/ daɪˈɡlɒsɪə /
noun
- linguistics the existence in a language of a high, or socially prestigious, and a low, or everyday, form, as German and Swiss German in Switzerland
Discover More
Other Words From
- di·glos·sic [dahy-, glos, -ik], adjective
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of diglossia1
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of diglossia1
C20: New Latin, via French, from Greek diglōssos speaking two languages: see diglot
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[fur-kin ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse