reLatinization

ReLatinization refers to the process of adapting loanwords from non-Latin alphabetic systems into the Latin alphabet, or the reintroduction of Latin characters into words that had previously been transliterated or written in another script. This often occurs when a language or a specific community adopts or re-adopts the Latin alphabet for its writing system. For example, countries that have transitioned from Cyrillic or Arabic scripts to the Latin alphabet have undergone a form of reLatinization.

The process involves establishing consistent rules for representing sounds and letters from the original script using Latin characters. This can be a complex undertaking, as phonetic correspondences may not always be straightforward. Different systems of reLatinization can exist for the same language, sometimes leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation. These variations can be influenced by historical precedents, linguistic considerations, or political decisions.

ReLatinization can also apply to historical linguistic contexts, such as the study of ancient languages where Latin was the lingua franca. In modern usage, it is particularly relevant in the context of globalization and the increasing prevalence of the Latin alphabet online and in international communication. The goal is usually to achieve a standardized and widely understood representation of words and names.