Basilect is a term that is commonly used in linguistics to describe a particular form of language that is spoken by a particular group of people. This term has been used to describe the language spoken by people who are considered to be at the lower end of the social hierarchy in a particular society. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of basilect.
Definitions
Basilect is a term that is used in linguistics to describe a particular form of language that is spoken by a particular group of people. This term is often used to describe the language spoken by people who are considered to be at the lower end of the social hierarchy in a particular society. Basilect is often used in contrast to acrolect, which is the form of language spoken by people who are considered to be at the higher end of the social hierarchy.
Origin
The term basilect is derived from the Greek word ‘basileus’, which means king or ruler. The term was first used in linguistics by the Jamaican linguist, Derek Bickerton, in the 1970s. Bickerton used the term to describe the language spoken by the lower classes in Jamaica.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of basilect in different dictionaries is quite similar. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, basilect is “a dialect or language variety that is considered to be at the bottom or lowest end of a social hierarchy”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines basilect as “a dialect or language that is considered to be the least prestigious or standard variety”.
Associations
Basilect is often associated with the lower classes in a particular society. It is also associated with the idea of non-standard language and is often considered to be inferior to the acrolect. Basilect is also associated with the idea of creole languages, which are often formed when two or more languages come into contact with each other.
Synonyms
The synonyms of basilect include dialect, vernacular, patois, creole, and colloquial language.
Antonyms
The antonyms of basilect include acrolect, standard language, and prestige dialect.
The same root words
There are no same root words for basilect.
Example Sentences
- The basilect spoken by the lower classes in Jamaica is very different from the acrolect spoken by the upper classes.
- The creole language spoken in Haiti is a basilect that has evolved from a mixture of French and African languages.
- The use of basilect in literature can be a powerful tool for exploring issues of class and identity.