metalanguage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “metalanguage” mean?
A language or set of terms used to describe, analyse, or discuss another language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A language or set of terms used to describe, analyse, or discuss another language.
Any system of vocabulary, symbols, or concepts used to describe or discuss the structure, rules, or properties of a system (e.g., a programming language, a theory, or an artistic form).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong academic and theoretical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “metalanguage” in a Sentence
[develop/create/establish] a metalanguage [for/of] XX [is described/analysed] in the metalanguage of Yto [use/employ] metalanguage [when discussing] ZVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metalanguage” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metalanguage features of the textbook helped students analyse poetry.
- A metalanguage approach was adopted for the study.
American English
- The metalanguage framework provided clarity for the programmers.
- His analysis was conducted on a metalanguage level.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used in very specialised contexts like systems analysis or process modelling ('We need a common metalanguage to describe our workflows').
Academic
Common in linguistics, philosophy, semiotics, and literary theory ('The paper examines the metalanguage of structuralist criticism').
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood.
Technical
Common in computer science and logic ('The semantics are defined using a formal metalanguage').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metalanguage”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metalanguage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metalanguage”
- Using it to mean simply 'complex language' or 'technical terms' without the reflexive, descriptive element.
- Pronouncing it as /ˌmiː.təˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/ (incorrect stress).
- Misspelling as 'meta-language' (though the hyphenated form is sometimes seen, the solid form is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both involve specialised terms, jargon is the specialised vocabulary of a field used to communicate within it. Metalanguage is specifically a vocabulary for describing or analysing a language or system, often from a theoretical standpoint.
When you say 'That sentence is too long,' you are using the words 'sentence' and 'long' as metalanguage to talk about the English language itself. Terms like 'verb,' 'paragraph,' and 'metaphor' are all pieces of English metalanguage.
The object language is the language being studied or talked about (e.g., French). The metalanguage is the language used to conduct the study or discussion (e.g., English grammatical terms like 'subjunctive' used to describe French).
Yes, in computer science, HTML is often described as a markup metalanguage because it provides a system of tags to describe the structure and presentation of a document (the object). Similarly, XML is a meta-markup language for defining other markup languages.
Metalanguage is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Metalanguage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmet.əˌlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmet̬.əˌlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'META-' as in 'beyond' or 'about'. A METAlanguage is a language you use to talk ABOUT another language.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL (for analysis); DESCRIPTION IS A LAYER (above the object of study).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'metalanguage' most appropriately used?