Crosslinguïale

Crosslinguïale is a term used in linguistics to describe phenomena that occur across multiple languages. It refers to patterns, structures, or features that are shared or analogous in different linguistic systems, irrespective of their genetic or typological relationships. This can encompass a wide range of linguistic elements, from the sounds of a language (phonetics and phonology) to its word formation (morphology) and sentence construction (syntax).

The study of crosslinguïale phenomena helps linguists understand the universal properties of human language, the constraints on linguistic variation, and the cognitive processes underlying language acquisition and use. For instance, researchers might investigate how different languages express the concept of possession or negation, or how they structure questions. By comparing these across languages, linguists can identify commonalities that might stem from universal cognitive biases or functional pressures.

Crosslinguïale research can also shed light on language change and the spread of linguistic features. It is distinct from purely comparative linguistics, which often focuses on tracing genetic relationships between languages, or typological linguistics, which categorizes languages based on shared structural properties. Crosslinguïale studies can draw from languages belonging to different families and exhibiting diverse typological profiles, seeking to uncover deeper, perhaps more fundamental, aspects of language. The term emphasizes the breadth of inquiry across the linguistic landscape.