Finesentence logo

Metalanguage: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

metalanguage

 

[ หˆmษ›tษ™lหŒlรฆล‹ษกwษชdส’ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics study

Metalanguage is a type of language or set of terms used to discuss, describe, or analyze another language. It enables a deeper understanding of the structure and function of language itself. Commonly used in fields like linguistics, philosophy of language, and semiotics, metalanguage provides a systematic framework for analyzing language components beyond just the spoken or written word. Through metalanguage, one can articulate concepts involved in grammar, syntax, and semantics.

Synonyms

language about language, linguistic terminology, terms of reference

Examples of usage

  • The teacher used metalanguage to explain the rules of grammar.
  • Linguistic theory often relies on metalanguage to discuss phonetics.
  • Philosophers of language examine the metalanguage used in logic.
  • In her research, she developed a comprehensive metalanguage for analyzing texts.

Translations

Translations of the word "metalanguage" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคพเคคเฅเคตเคฟเคœเฅเคžเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Metasprache

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะตั‚ะฐะฒ ะผะพะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒกใ‚ฟ่จ€่ชž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉtalangage

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ metalenguaje

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฉ”ํƒ€์–ธ์–ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู„ุบุฉ ุงู„ู…ูŠุชุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…ƒ่ฏญ่จ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรกlfrรฆรฐi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะตั‚ะฐะผะพะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒขแƒแƒ•แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ metalanguage

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ metalenguaje

Etymology

The term 'metalanguage' originates from the Greek words 'meta,' meaning 'beyond' or 'after,' and 'language,' which refers to a system of communication. The concept emerged in the early 20th century as linguists and philosophers began to explore the structures underlying natural languages. Metalanguage became an essential tool in the study of linguistics, allowing scholars to analyze various features of language without being confined to the language itself. This analytical approach has been vital in disciplines such as syntax, semantics, and the philosophy of language. Over time, 'metalanguage' has expanded to include not just the technical jargon used in linguistic analysis, but also the informal ways in which people discuss and interpret language in everyday contexts. As languages evolve, so does the metalanguage that describes them, reflecting changes in understanding and methodology across different fields.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,955 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.