Understanding of a language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Understanding of a language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's comprehension or grasp of a particular language, often in educational or linguistic contexts. Example: "Her understanding of the language has improved significantly since she started taking classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's the kind of simplified generalization that tends to be made by an individual with a shallow understanding of a language and a culture.

The New Yorker

Unlike previous approaches to machine translation, which relied upon rules identified by linguists which then had to be tediously hand-coded into software, this new method requires absolutely no linguistic knowledge or expert understanding of a language in order to translate it.

The Economist

Later a more reliable combinatory method, in which passages expressing similar contents are compared in order to obtain a better understanding of a language's structure, was introduced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because the phonetic and phonemic aspects of the sound system are two separate domains, it is quite possible to have a fairly comprehensive understanding of a language's phonemic system even if very little information is available on the language's phonetic system.

Britannica

An academic understanding of a language may mean that you can order from a menu, but you'll be hard-pressed to hold up a conversation at the dinner table.

Forbes

The alternative is statistical methods, which are mathematical techniques that don't depend on deep understanding of a language's structure.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Given this understanding of what a language is, Lewis goes on to say what it is for a population to speak a language.

SEP

I enjoy engaging and motivating pupils to learn a foreign language helping them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of a different language and culture.

The Guardian

Readers will gain a deeper understanding of language structure and language change from the books of Pinker and McWhorter.

The New York Times - Books

Going beyond a narrower understanding of language and taking a performatory stance on doing language, "Communication = Languaging = Meaning-making" (Bagga-Gupta and Dahlberg 2018) irrespective of the number of language-varieties or language-modalities (oral, written, signed, etc).

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

By recognizing language and its negation, it is possible to return to an understanding of language and the potential of language's lawless, creative and revolutionary force.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing language acquisition, specify the aspect of "understanding" you're referring to: grammar, vocabulary, cultural context, or idiomatic expressions.

Common error

Avoid using "understanding of a language" as a blanket statement. Break down the specific skills involved, such as reading comprehension, speaking fluency, or writing proficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding of a language" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the cognitive state of comprehending the rules, vocabulary, and cultural context of a specific language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understanding of a language" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes one's level of comprehension of a specific language. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While the phrase itself is general, it is best used with specific details about the aspect of understanding being discussed. Consider alternatives like "language comprehension" or "language proficiency" for greater precision, as they offer a subtly distinct emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Language comprehension

Highlights the ability to grasp the meaning of a language.

Grasp of a language

Emphasizes a firm hold or command over the language.

Language proficiency

Focuses on the skill level in a language, rather than the cognitive process of understanding.

Knowledge of a language

Stresses the information and awareness about a language's rules and vocabulary.

Command of a language

Implies a high level of control and skill in using the language.

Familiarity with a language

Suggests a comfortable and acquainted level with the language.

Language expertise

Stresses professional skill and knowledge in a language.

Linguistic competence

Relates to the innate ability to understand and produce language.

Appreciation of a language

Focuses on understanding the nuances, cultural contexts and subtle elements of language.

Insight into a language

Implies understanding a language's cultural and structural intricacies.

FAQs

How can I improve my "understanding of a language"?

Immerse yourself in the language through reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Focus on consistent practice and exposure to authentic materials.

What does it mean to have "a deep understanding of a language"?

It means you comprehend not only the grammar and vocabulary but also the cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and the subtle context behind the words.

Is "language proficiency" the same as "understanding of a language"?

"Language proficiency" generally refers to the demonstrated ability to use a language effectively, while "understanding of a language" emphasizes the comprehension of its underlying structure and meaning. They are closely related, but proficiency includes practical application.

What are some related terms to "understanding of a language"?

You can use alternatives like "language comprehension", "grasp of a language", or "language proficiency" depending on the context.