Integration of Languages

the process that is the reverse of differentiation of languages.

In the integration of languages, linguistic groups that previously used different languages (dialects) begin to use the same language; that is, they merge into a single linguistic group. There are two possible paths toward the integration of languages. The first involves the complete obliteration of one language and conversion to another. This happened to the Torks, Berendei, and other non-Slavic peoples who lived on the territory of ancient Rus’. The second entails the merging of the languages into a new language possessing traits that distinguish it from any of the original languages. Thus, modern English is the result of the integration of Old Germanic (Anglo-Saxon) dialects and the French of the Norman conquerors.

The process of integration of languages is usually connected with the political, economic, and cultural integration of the peoples involved and presupposes ethnic mingling. Integration of languages occurs particularly often among closely related languages and dialects.