How to create an inclusive universal language? (3)(Classification)
Classification of languages helps linguists, language learners, and policymakers understand and organize languages based on the classified linguistic, geographic, social, or functional factors. They can create an inclusive universal language according to specific characteristics and uses. Some common classifications are listed as follows:
1. Language Family
Definition: Languages are often categorized based on their historical and genetic relationships.
Example: The Indo-European language family includes languages like English, Spanish, Hindi, and Russian.
2. Geographical Region
Definition: Languages can be grouped based on the regions where they are predominantly spoken.
Example: Scandinavian languages include Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian.
3. Linguistic Typology
Definition: This category classifies languages based on their structural features, such as syntax, morphology, or phonology.
Example: SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) languages like English or SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) languages like Japanese.
4. Official Status
Definition: Languages can be categorized based on their legal or official recognition within a country or region.
Example: Official languages of the United Nations include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
5. Writing System
Definition: Languages can be classified based on the script or writing system they use.
Example: Languages using the Latin alphabet (e.g., English, Spanish) versus those using the Cyrillic alphabet (e.g., Russian, Bulgarian).
6. Language Status
Definition: This refers to the vitality or endangerment level of a language.
Example: Living languages, endangered languages, or extinct languages.
7. Functionality
Definition: Languages may be categorized by their role or function in society.
Example: Liturgical languages (e.g., Latin in the Roman Catholic Church), national languages, or lingua francas.
Each of these language classifications helps to create an inclusive universal language.