abstractIn this paper I present a framework for the conceptualization of languages based on the prototype theory of categorization proposed by Eleanor Rosch and her colleagues for natural semantic categories. It is motivated by research in the Casamance region of southern Senegal, where a high level of multilingualism in non-standardized varieties is the norm, making accurate description of languages, and thus analysis of multilingual discourse, problematic. I show that languages in this context can be conceived of as categories, of which linguistic features may be more or less prototypical members. Such an approach can form the basis for a more robust method of language description, integrating rich sociolinguistic data, and facilitating more nuanced analysis of multilingual discourse data.

中文翻译：

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语言作为类别：使用原型理论为多语言数据的研究创建参考点

摘要在本文中，我提出了一个基于 Eleanor Rosch 及其同事提出的自然语义类别的分类原型理论的语言概念化框架。它的动机是在塞内加尔南部的卡萨芒斯地区进行的研究，在该地区，非标准化品种的高度多语言化是常态，这使得语言的准确描述以及多语言话语的分析成为问题。我表明，在这种情况下，语言可以被视为类别，其中语言特征可能或多或少是原型成员。这种方法可以为更强大的语言描述方法、整合丰富的社会语言数据以及促进对多语言话语数据进行更细致的分析奠定基础。