A lingua-franca is a language or dialect systematically used to make communication possible between people who do not share a common native language. Here are some key points about lingua-franca:
The term "lingua-franca" originally referred to a pidgin used around the Eastern Mediterranean between the 11th and 19th centuries. This pidgin, known as Sabir, was a mix of Italian, Spanish, French, Greek, and Arabic, primarily used for trade and diplomacy among the various ethnic groups of the region.
The primary function of a lingua-franca is to facilitate communication across linguistic divides. It is not necessarily the native language of any of the speakers but is learned as a second language for the purpose of communication.
Throughout history, several languages have served as lingua-francas:
A lingua-franca often:
The use of a lingua-franca can:
In today's globalized world, English serves as the predominant lingua-franca, especially in: