object language
C2 (Highly specialized, academic/technical)Highly formal, academic, technical (linguistics, computer science)
Definition
Meaning
The language that is being studied, described, or analysed, as opposed to the language used to describe it (metalanguage).
In computer science, the target language that is the output of a compiler or the language in which a program is written for a specific machine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term in linguistics and computer science. Its meaning is almost entirely determined by its opposition to 'metalanguage'. It is not to be confused with 'object' as a grammatical function or the verb 'to object'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the term is identical in both varieties within academic/technical contexts.
Connotations
Pure technical term with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, confined to linguistics, philosophy of language, and computing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[metalanguage] is used to describe [object language]The [object language] of the study is [language name]Translate from the metalanguage into the [object language]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None (technical term)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in linguistics, logic, and semiotics. E.g., 'In this paper, English is the object language and our descriptive framework is the metalanguage.'
Everyday
Extremely rare and would cause confusion if used.
Technical
Used in compiler design (the output language) and formal logic.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The object-language analysis required a separate meta-lexicon.
- She focused on object-language phenomena.
American English
- The object-language analysis required a separate meta-lexicon.
- He described object-language verbs.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is too difficult for A2 level.
- 'Object language' is a term from linguistics.
- Linguists distinguish between the metalanguage they use and the object language they study.
- For a compiler, the object language is often machine code.
- The philosopher argued that a clear distinction between metalanguage and object language is crucial to avoid semantic paradoxes.
- The formal semantics was defined within a metalanguage that referenced the syntax of the object language.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OBJECT under a microscope. The OBJECT LANGUAGE is the language being examined (the object of study), while the metalanguage is the microscope itself (the tool for examining).
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS AN OBJECT (something that can be observed, manipulated, and analysed from an external standpoint).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "предметный язык" (which is ambiguous). The closest conceptual translation is "язык-объект" or "описываемый язык."
- Has no relation to the grammatical term "object" (дополнение).
- The word order is fixed: 'object language', not 'language object'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'the language of objects' or 'tangible language'.
- Confusing it with 'objective language' (impartial language).
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'target language' or simply 'the language' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'object language' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In linguistics, they are often synonymous. In translation studies, 'target language' is the language you translate into, while 'object language' is the language being analysed.
Yes, in computer science it can mean the output language of a compiler or assembler (e.g., machine code), or a language designed for a specific type of data processing.
No, it is a highly specialized academic term. Most English speakers will not know it.
No, that is a common confusion. Here, 'object' means the 'focus of study' or 'target', similar to 'the object of my affection'.