basilect

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English

Etymology

From basi- (base, bottom) +‎ -lect (speech).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈbæsɪlɛkt/, /ˈbeɪsɪlɛkt/

Noun

basilect (plural basilects)

  1. (sociolinguistics) A variety of a language that differs substantially from the standard form, and is only considered suitable for very informal contexts by speakers.
    Coordinate terms: acrolect, hyperlect, mesolect; vernacular, vulgate
    • 1977, Joseph Twadell Shipley, In praise of English: the growth & use of language, page 78:
      The highest level of good English has been called the acrolect; the lowest level of poor speech, the basilect; both are contrasted with the matrilect, the general native language.
    • 1987, Douglas N. Young, Language--planning and medium in education:
      In both regions English is used extensively, the spoken form ranging from, in the language of linguisticians, the basilect to the mesolect and the matrilect or acrolect (prestige English) .
    • 1996, James E. Alatis, Georgetown University Round Table on Languages and Linguistics, →ISBN:
      If only the basilect is a true creole, then the mesolect is relegated to limbo -- not a creole, certainly not a standard.

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Anagrams

Dutch

Etymology

Borrowing from English basilect.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˌbaː.ziˈlɛkt/
  • Hyphenation: basi‧lect
  • Rhymes: -ɛkt

Noun

basilect n (plural basilecten, diminutive basilectje n)

  1. the basilect; the low-prestige register of a language, divergent from the standard language, mainly used in informal settings
    Antonym: acrolect