Explanation
The recreation of a foreign-language expression using one’s own lexical material. A language does not simply adopt the foreign lexicon but reconstructs its underlying structural concept.
Example
Atlas example: A language does not adopt the foreign lexical corpus but reconstructs its underlying structural concept.
Counterexample
Mere formal similarity without the relationship characteristic of loan translation.
Distinction
Distinguishing from borrowing: The decisive factor in calque is the specific movement—a language does not adopt the foreign word form, but reconstructs its underlying structural concept.
Effect on thought and perception
A language does not adopt the foreign lexical form but reconstructs its underlying structural concept.
Resonance
Calque renders the relationship perceptible as a directed transformation: A language does not adopt the foreign lexical form but reconstructs its underlying structural concept.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Calque“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-119-042. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-119-042The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.