In today's world, Language island has become a topic of constant and highly relevant debate in different areas. Whether in politics, society, technology, or any other field, Language island has generated great interest and has been the subject of multiple studies and research. Its impact on daily life and the development of various areas is undeniable, which is why it is essential to thoroughly analyze its implications and consequences. In this article, we will explore different perspectives and approaches on Language island, with the aim of better understanding its influence and reach today.
A language island (a calque of German Sprachinsel; also language enclave, language pocket) is an enclave of a language that is surrounded by one or more different languages. The term was introduced in 1847. Many of them also have a distinct culture.
^Language and Space. An International Handbook of Linguistic Variation, Volume 1, 2009, Section "The history of language island research (Sprachinselforschung)", p.335
^Peter Auer, Frans Hinskens, Paul Kerswill. Dialect change: convergence and divergence in European languages. p. 221. "The term 'Sprachinsel' was used for the first time in 1847 to designate a Slavonic community surrounded by a German-speaking population close to Konigsberg, East Prussia cf. Mattheier 1996. 812"
^Richard VanNess Simmons (1999). Chinese Dialect Classification: A comparative approach to Harngjou, Old Jintarn, and Common Northern Wu. John Benjamins Publishing Co.