foreignism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, linguistic
Quick answer
What does “foreignism” mean?
A word, phrase, or linguistic feature borrowed from another language and used in a different language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word, phrase, or linguistic feature borrowed from another language and used in a different language; also, a custom or practice considered characteristic of foreign cultures.
A characteristic or trait perceived as alien to a culture or tradition; an imported concept or style. In linguistics, it specifically denotes a loanword or calque that hasn't been fully assimilated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties, primarily confined to academic and literary registers.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used pejoratively in general British discourse (e.g., criticizing foreign influences). In American academic writing, it's a standard linguistic term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Slightly higher in UK texts discussing cultural purity.
Grammar
How to Use “foreignism” in a Sentence
The [text/speech] is littered with foreignisms.Purists decry the [incursion/pervasiveness] of foreignisms.A foreignism from [language]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foreignism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author deliberately foreignises his prose with Gallicisms.
- They accused him of foreignising the local dialect.
American English
- The editor chose to foreignize the text by retaining the original terms.
- Some linguists argue against foreignizing the core vocabulary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of global branding where local terms are avoided.
Academic
Common in linguistics, cultural studies, and philology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would mark the speaker as highly educated or opinionated about language.
Technical
Standard term in linguistics for non-assimilated borrowings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foreignism”
- Using 'foreignism' to mean 'foreign policy' or 'the state of being foreign'.
- Pronouncing it as /fɔːˈreɪn.ɪ.zəm/.
- Misspelling as 'foriegnism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. In neutral academic use, it's descriptive. In general discourse, it often carries a negative connotation of unwanted foreign influence.
All foreignisms are loanwords, but 'foreignism' often implies the word still feels conspicuously foreign and unassimilated. A fully assimilated loanword like 'tea' from Chinese is rarely called a foreignism.
Yes, though this is a figurative extension. It can describe customs, artistic styles, or practices perceived as alien to a native culture.
No, it's a low-frequency, formal word used mostly in academic, linguistic, or literary-critical contexts.
A word, phrase, or linguistic feature borrowed from another language and used in a different language.
Foreignism is usually formal, academic, linguistic in register.
Foreignism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒr.ɪ.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.ə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bridge too far (in terms of foreign influence)”
- “A Trojan horse of language (pejorative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FOREIGN + ISM = a doctrine or practice from foreign parts, especially in language.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TERRITORY (foreignisms are invaders or immigrants). CULTURE IS A BODY (foreignisms are viruses or implants).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'foreignism' LEAST likely to be used?