Referenzsprachen
Referenzsprachen, also known as reference languages, are languages that serve as a standard for comparison in linguistic studies. They are chosen based on their linguistic characteristics, such as simplicity, widespread use, or historical significance. The most commonly used referenzsprachen in linguistics are English, French, and German. English, for instance, is often chosen due to its global prevalence and its role as an international language of science and technology. French is valued for its rich literary tradition and its status as an official language in many countries. German is appreciated for its complex grammar and its historical influence on many modern languages. The use of referenzsprachen allows linguists to compare and contrast different languages, identify common linguistic features, and study language evolution. However, it's important to note that the choice of referenzsprachen can be subjective and may vary depending on the specific research question or linguistic theory.