modern language: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “modern language” mean?
A language that is currently spoken and used as a primary means of communication in contemporary society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A language that is currently spoken and used as a primary means of communication in contemporary society.
A term used in academic and institutional contexts to refer to the study of currently spoken languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Mandarin) as opposed to classical languages (e.g., Latin, Ancient Greek). It can also refer to the language itself as a living, evolving system of communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK institutional and educational contexts (e.g., 'School of Modern Languages'). In the US, 'foreign language' or 'world language' is often used in similar contexts, though 'modern language' is still understood and used in academia.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a strong academic/administrative connotation. In the US, it may sound slightly more formal or specifically referential to European languages.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in education. Lower frequency in general US English, where 'foreign language' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “modern language” in a Sentence
study + modern languagedepartment of + modern languagemodern language + teachinga + modern languageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modern language” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The university plans to modernise its language offerings.
- She is specialising in modern languages.
American English
- The college aims to modernize its world language curriculum.
- He is minoring in a modern language.
adverb
British English
- The course is modernly focused on communicative skills.
American English
- The textbook approaches grammar modernly, with corpus data.
adjective
British English
- She secured a place in the modern languages faculty.
- It's a modern language degree with a year abroad.
American English
- He took a modern language requirement.
- The modern language department hosted a symposium.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in CVs or job descriptions for roles requiring specific language skills.
Academic
Primary context. Refers to academic departments, courses, and fields of study.
Everyday
Rare. A speaker might say 'I studied a modern language at university.'
Technical
Used in linguistics and educational policy to distinguish language types.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modern language”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modern language”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modern language”
- Using 'modern language' to mean 'slang' or 'recently coined words'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'programming language'.
- Incorrect capitalisation when not part of a proper noun (e.g., 'a Modern Language degree').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. English is a prime example of a modern language, as it is widely spoken and evolves continuously.
'Modern language' is an academic categorisation (vs. classical). 'Foreign language' emphasises that the language is not native to the speaker's country. A language can be both (e.g., French is a modern and a foreign language for an English speaker).
No. Latin is a classical or dead language because it has no native speaking community and is not used for everyday communication. However, it is still studied.
'World language' is often seen as more inclusive and less Eurocentric, as 'modern language' departments historically focused on European languages. 'World language' acknowledges the global status of languages like Arabic, Mandarin, and Hindi.
A language that is currently spoken and used as a primary means of communication in contemporary society.
Modern language is usually formal, academic in register.
Modern language: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd.ən ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dɚn ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A degree in modern languages opens doors.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MODERN ART gallery—it's about current, living expression. A MODERN LANGUAGE is a living, currently spoken form of expression, not a relic.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE AS A LIVING ORGANISM (modern = alive and growing; classical/dead = static or extinct).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'modern language' MOST commonly used?