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Reference.org
Language island
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<p>A language island (a calque of German <i>Sprachinsel</i>; also language enclave, language pocket) is an <a href="/facts/Enclave/AFKB4LW6">enclave</a> of a <a href="/facts/Language/IRcTok2q">language</a> that is surrounded by one or more different languages. The term was introduced in 1847. Many speakers of these languages also have their own distinct <a href="/facts/Culture/c5JgMqpX">culture</a>. </p><p>Language islands often form as a result of <a href="/facts/Human_migration/r2oTzF6F">migration</a>, <a href="/facts/Colonization/mp9GRL94">colonization</a>, <a href="/facts/Imperialism/JvofndS2">imperialism</a>, or <a href="/facts/Trade/S13U8JKr">trade</a> without a common tongue. Language islands are common of indigenous peoples, especially in the <a href="/facts/Americas/hEuUTL4K">Americas</a>, where colonization has led them to isolate themselves greatly. </p>