superstratum (n.)

A term used in SOCIOLINGUISTICS and HISTORICAL LINGUISTICS to refer to a LINGUISTIC VARIETY or set of FORMS which has influenced the STRUCTURE or use of a less dominant variety or LANGUAGE within a community. A linguistic superstratum is usually the result of political, economic or cultural dominance, as illustrated by the influence of English, French, Arabic, etc., on the languages of the world at various periods in history. One of the most noticeable features of superstratal influence is the increased use of LOAN words.