Classification of Languages: Areal Classification

byAmrita Ganeriwalla

All the languages of the world can be grouped together based on certain qualities and similarities. This helps linguists and other scientists study the languages themselves as well as the cultures to which the languages belong. In this three-part series, AMRITA GANERIWALLA, a class 12 student of Bombay International School, Mumbai, throws light on the three basic ways to classify all the languages in the world. First we look at areal classification.

Classification of Languages: Areal Classification

In areal classification, elements shared by languages or dialects in a particular geographic area are brought together, especially when the features have not descended from a common ancestor language. These are further classified based on: Area Zone Language contacts Sprachbund Isogloss