Definition

1. Adverb:
   • By comparing languages; from the perspective of multiple languages: This word describes an action, study, or analysis that involves examining or comparing data, features, or phenomena across different languages.

Usage

• The adverb "cross-linguistically" is used to modify verbs related to research, study, comparison, or observation. It specifies that the scope of the action encompasses more than one language.
• It is primarily used in academic, linguistic, and research contexts.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The researcher analyzed child language acquisition cross-linguistically.
  • This sound pattern is very rare when viewed cross-linguistically.
  • She studied the phenomenon cross-linguistically, looking at data from over 20 languages.

Advanced Usage

• In academic writing: The term is often used to introduce or summarize findings that hold true across a sample of languages, adding weight to a linguistic claim.
  • Cross-linguistically, the basic word order tends to be either Subject-Object-Verb or Subject-Verb-Object.

Variants and Related Words

• Cross-linguistic (adjective): Of or involving the comparison of different languages.
  • They conducted a cross-linguistic survey of color terms.
• Linguistically (adverb): In a way that relates to language or linguistics.
• Cross-linguistic influence (noun phrase): The effect of one language on the knowledge or use of another language, common in bilingualism studies.

Synonyms

• Cross-linguistic (when used adjectivally before a noun, e.g., "a cross-linguistic study")
• Translinguistically (less common, but similar in meaning)
• In a cross-linguistic perspective/framework

Notes

• "Cross-linguistically" is a formal, technical term. In everyday conversation, one might use a phrase like "by comparing different languages" or "looking across languages."
• It emphasizes a methodological approach that seeks universal patterns or typological differences by examining multiple languages.

Adverb

1. by comparing languages
   • she studied the phenomenon cross-linguistically