Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

basilect

/ˈbæsɪlɛkt/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English

Syllables: basilect
IPA: /ˈbæsɪlɛkt/

12

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

1

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A variety of a language that differs substantially from the standard form, and is only considered suitable for very informal contexts by speakers.

Example Sentences

"The highest level of good English has been called the acrolect; the lowest level of poor speech, the basilect; both are contrasted with the matrilect, the general native language."
"In both regions English is used extensively, the spoken form ranging from, in the language of linguisticians, the basilect to the mesolect and the matrilect or acrolect (prestige English) ."
"If only the basilect is a true creole, then the mesolect is relegated to limbo -- not a creole, certainly not a standard."

Etymology

From basi- (“base, bottom”) + -lect (“speech”).

Word Breakdown

Prefix: basi
Suffix: lect

Inflected Forms

basilects (plural)

Derived Forms

basilectal

Phrases

code-switching post-creole continuum

Frequently Paired Words

code-switching matrilect post-creole continuum register acrolect hyperlect mesolect vernacular

Questions

How do you pronounce basilect?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈbæsɪlɛkt/.
What does basilect mean?: A variety of a language that differs substantially from the standard form, and is only considered suitable for very informal contexts by speakers.
Where does basilect come from?: From basi- (“base, bottom”) + -lect (“speech”).

How to pronounce basilect

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “basilect”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈbæsɪlɛkt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “basilect”.
Repeat and practice — Say “basilect” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.