contact linguistics

Contact linguistics is the study of how languages influence each other when speakers of different languages interact. This can happen through trade, migration, or cultural exchange. As people communicate, they may borrow words, grammar, or pronunciation from one another, leading to new language forms, such as pidgins and creoles. This field explores how these interactions shape language change and development, highlighting the dynamic nature of language in diverse social contexts. Ultimately, it examines the rich tapestry of human communication in multilingual environments.