What is diglossis?

Answer 1

Diglossia is a sociolinguistic phenomenon where two distinct varieties of a language coexist within a speech community, with each variety serving different social functions. Typically, one variety is considered the "high" (H) variety, used in formal contexts such as education and literature, while the "low" (L) variety is used in everyday conversation. This can lead to a clear separation between written and spoken forms of the language, influencing cultural and social dynamics within the community. Examples of diglossia can be found in various languages, including Arabic and Swiss German.