diglossia

noun
di·​glos·​sia | \ dī-ˈglä-sē-ə How to pronounce diglossia (audio) , -ˈglȯ-\

Definition of diglossia

: the use of two varieties of the same language in different social contexts throughout a speech community A key defining characteristic of diglossia is that the two varieties are kept quite apart functionally. One is used in one set of circumstances and the other in an entirely different set.— Ronald Wardhaugh

Other Words from diglossia

diglossic \ dī-​ˈglä-​sik How to pronounce diglossic (audio) , -​ˈglȯ-​ \ adjective

First Known Use of diglossia

1959, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for diglossia

di- + Greek glôssa "tongue, language" + -ia entry 1

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More Definitions for diglossia

diglossia

noun
di·​glos·​sia | \ dī-ˈgläs-ē-ə How to pronounce diglossia (audio) \

Medical Definition of diglossia

: the condition of having the tongue bifid