Taaleigen

Taaleigen is a term used in Dutch linguistics to denote the set of properties that are considered inherent to a particular language. It refers to the core phonological, morphosyntactic, lexicon, and semantic features that distinguish a language from other languages and that remain relatively stable across its speakers, dialects, and time. The concept helps separate language-specific characteristics from variation within a language, such as regional dialect differences or individual speech patterns (idiolects). In this sense, taaleigen is often contrasted with variation caused by contact with other languages or sociolects.

The etymology is straightforward: taal (language) + eigen (own, characteristic). The use of taaleigen appears in descriptions of language structure and in discussions of language acquisition, where researchers refer to features that learners must acquire as part of their native language, as opposed to features acquired through contact.

In practice, taaleigen is a broad notion and is not always precisely defined; different authors may emphasize different components (phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon) or apply it to different levels (standard language vs. language as a social whole). It is related to concepts such as language identity, language typology, and the distinction between a language and its dialects.