matrix language

noun

The dominant language in code-switching, into which elements of a secondary language are embedded, as opposed to the embedded language.

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Meanings

nounmatrix language (plural matrix languages)

plural matrix languages

  1. human sciencesThe dominant language in code-switching, into which elements of a secondary language are embedded, as opposed to the embedded language.

    Because, in that case, most of the text is in English, we can say that the matrix language (ML) of the message is English and that the embedded language (EL) is Spanish.

    2005 December 28, David Luna, Dawn Lerman, Lauren A. Peracchio, “Structural Constraints in Code-Switched Advertising”, in Journal of Consumer Research, volume 32, number 3, →DOI
Cite this entry
APA

matrix language. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/matrix%20language

MLA

“matrix language.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/matrix%20language. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “matrix language,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/matrix%20language.

Source: matrix language on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.